PM urges US President to extend deadline as mediation efforts progressing ‘steadily, strongly’

• Premier Shehbaz calls for two-week ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz opening to allow diplomacy

• Says diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of Middle East war progressing ‘steadily, strongly and powerfully’ with potential to lead to substantive results in near future’

• Urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve a conclusive termination of war

• Islamabad relays proposals between Washington and Tehran amid escalating US-Iran strikes

• Security sources warn Iran’s strike on Saudi facilities threatens to derail negotiations

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called on US President Donald Trump to extend his looming deadline for two weeks to allow diplomatic efforts for the Middle East conflict to run their course, describing Pakistan’s mediation as “progressing steadily, strongly, and powerfully.”

In a post on X, PM Shehbaz wrote: “Diplomatic efforts for the peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly, and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in the near future.”

Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026

The appeal comes amid President Trump’s stark warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if a deal is not reached within hours, and follows reports citing security sources that Pakistan’s facilitation of US-Iran talks is entering a “critical, sensitive stage” as US strikes on Iran intensified.

“To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks,” PM Shehbaz added. “Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open the Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period as a goodwill gesture. We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve a conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region.”

 Tensions and Negotiations at a Critical Stage

Two Pakistani sources with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Tuesday that negotiations are ongoing, but regional tensions remain high.

A senior security official warned that Iran’s overnight strike on Saudi Arabia’s industrial facilities linked to US firms threatened to derail the talks. Any Saudi retaliation, the source said, could end the negotiations and potentially draw Pakistan into the conflict under its defence pact with Riyadh.

Another source cautioned that Iran was “walking on thin ice,” adding that the next three to four hours would be critical for the future of dialogue.

Pakistan at the Centre of Mediation

Islamabad has served as the primary intermediary in recent weeks, relaying proposals between Washington and Tehran. While no breakthrough has yet occurred, the Pakistani security source said, “We are in touch with Iranians. They have lately shown flexibility that they could join the talks, but they are at the same time taking hard lines as a prerequisite for any negotiations.” Pakistan continues to urge Tehran to enter discussions without preconditions.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed on Monday that messages were still being exchanged via mediators. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran had rejected a proposal for a temporary ceasefire, insisting that talks on lasting peace could only begin after US and Israeli strikes cease, guarantees are provided that they will not resume, and compensation is offered for damages.

 Pakistan’s mediation ‘approaching sensitive stage’

Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said Pakistan’s facilitation of US-Iran talks to end the Middle East conflict is approaching a” critical, sensitive stage.”

Pakistan positive and productive endeavours in Good Will and Good Office to stop the war is approaching a critical, sensitive stage ...

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— Reza Amiri Moghadam (@IranAmbPak) April 7, 2026

Iran conveyed its position on ending the war through Pakistan after two weeks of high-level deliberations, rejecting a temporary ceasefire and calling for a permanent resolution. US President Donald Trump described Tehran’s response as a “significant step, though still falling short,” telling reporters: “It’s not good enough, but it’s a very significant step.”

Despite Tehran’s insistence on preconditions, Pakistani officials remain hopeful for a positive response before Trump’s deadline for a ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, set for 8pm ET (0000 GMT Wednesday). A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The situation has gotten extremely complex and sensitive as the next few hours are very crucial. We still hope that we will get a positive response from Tehran.”

US threats, regional stakes

Trump on Tuesday warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if an agreement is not reached within hours. Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator, leveraging its strong ties with both Washington and Tehran, as well as strategic partnerships with China and Saudi Arabia.

Islamabad’s proposal reportedly calls for an immediate ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within two to three weeks, and subsequent in-person talks in Islamabad to finalize a broader settlement.

The Pakistani Foreign Office described the Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia as a dangerous escalation, warning that “such unwarranted aggressions have serious repercussions and risk spoiling ongoing peaceful options.” The military also expressed concern after top commanders met with the army chief.

Pakistan is determined to avoid being drawn into the conflict, which could destabilize its western border with Iran. Analysts note that while the defence agreement may not trigger immediate military action, it could be activated if hostilities escalate further.

Adam Weinstein, an expert on Pakistan, Afghanistan, and US politics at the Quincy Institute, said Iran’s willingness to risk embarrassing Pakistan at a critical juncture “reveals just how committed Tehran is to a tit-for-tat strategy that punishes the Gulf for US and Israeli strikes.”