Leaders discuss the start of formal negotiations within the framework facilitated by Pakistan and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
Prime Minister Shehbaz (right) holds talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (left) on the US-Iran ceasefire.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday congratulated Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the ceasefire between Iran and the United States during a telephone conversation, the Prime Minister’s Office said in an official statement. He also conveyed his respects to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
According to the statement, Prime Minister Shebaz “conveyed his deep gratitude for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leaders in accepting the ceasefire” and for accepting Pakistan’s offer to host negotiations between Iran and the United States in Islamabad later this week.
President Pezeshkian, in response, “thanked the Prime Minister and appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani leadership to achieve a temporary ceasefire” and conveyed “his best wishes to the people of Pakistan,” he added. He confirmed that Iran will participate in the upcoming negotiations in Islamabad.
The statement further noted that both leaders “agreed to remain in close contact” as the diplomatic process continues.
Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that Iran and the United States, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon,” effective immediately. The prime minister invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a conclusive agreement.
US President Donald Trump backed the two-week truce shortly before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social, he described it as “a great day for world peace” and noted US support for stabilizing the region, including ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway.
The talks hosted by Islamabad and mediated by Pakistan will mark an important milestone in reducing tensions in the Middle East and will underline Islamabad’s growing role as a facilitator of regional diplomacy.
