Daijiworld Media Network - Islamabad
Islamabad, Apr 8: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the United States, Iran and their respective allies have agreed to an immediate ceasefire across multiple conflict zones, including Lebanon, following diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan.
In a statement, Sharif said delegations from Tehran and Washington have been invited to Islamabad on April 10 for further negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.
“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, effective immediately,” he stated.
The Pakistani premier welcomed the development as a “sagacious gesture” and expressed gratitude to the leadership of both nations for their role in de-escalation. He added that both sides had shown “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and expressed hope that the proposed ‘Islamabad Talks’ would pave the way for lasting peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed acceptance of a two-week ceasefire and said negotiations with the US would begin in Islamabad from Friday. However, it cautioned that the truce does not signal the end of the conflict.
“Our hands remain upon the trigger, and any misstep by the enemy will be met with full force,” the statement warned, underlining continued tensions despite the temporary halt in hostilities.
The development comes after US President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to delay military escalation, including threats targeting Iran’s critical infrastructure. He said the decision followed a proposal from Pakistan for a 14-day ceasefire, which includes reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage of global oil shipments.
Trump stated that, at the request of Sharif, he had decided to “hold off” on planned military action, adding that the agreement was contingent upon Iran ensuring the “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the strait.
Earlier, Trump had issued a stark warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran failed to agree to terms, a remark that drew sharp criticism from political opponents and sections of his own support base.
The proposed ceasefire and upcoming negotiations mark a significant diplomatic development, with global attention now focused on Islamabad as a potential venue for a broader peace accord.