Pakistan credits diplomacy for US-Iran ceasefire, vows continued mediation efforts

-- PM lauds Pakistan’s role in bringing US, Iran to talks after decades

-- Ceasefire holds despite deadlock in marathon Islamabad negotiations

-- Global leaders, including Japan PM, praise Pakistan's mediation efforts

-- Shehbaz vows continued diplomatic push for lasting US-Iran peace

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed satisfaction over progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran, saying Pakistan would continue to play an active role in resolving the conflict through diplomacy.

Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister said Pakistan’s leadership had made “full contributions” toward peace, highlighting that the two sides came to the negotiating table after decades of hostility.

“Our sincere efforts resulted in a ceasefire between the United States and Iran,” he said, adding that the truce remained in place despite ongoing challenges in reaching a comprehensive agreement.

Shehbaz Sharif commended Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in facilitating dialogue, noting that the negotiations had, at times, come close to collapse.

“It is a matter of pride for the nation that Pakistan played a mediating role between the two countries,” he said, adding that global leaders had acknowledged Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts.

The prime minister also informed the cabinet about his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and recent engagements with friendly nations, where discussions are expected to focus on the evolving Middle East situation and the progress of US-Iran talks.

The remarks came a day after marathon negotiations between Washington and Tehran concluded in Islamabad without a formal agreement, though both sides signalled willingness to continue engagement. The talks, spanning nearly 24 hours, transitioned from indirect exchanges to rare face-to-face discussions, reflecting both the complexity of the dispute and the urgency of de-escalation.

For Pakistan, hosting the talks marked both a diplomatic risk and an opportunity to reassert its role on the global stage. In a statement following the negotiations, Ishaq Dar thanked both sides for agreeing to a ceasefire and participating in dialogue.

International appreciation for Pakistan’s role has continued to pour in. In a telephone conversation, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi praised Islamabad’s efforts, calling them vital for regional stability and global energy security.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Japanese leader for her support and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the ceasefire holds. Both sides also expressed a desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain close coordination.

The Islamabad talks were held after weeks of intense conflict that resulted in heavy casualties and rising global economic concerns. Despite the absence of a breakthrough, the dialogue marked a rare moment of direct engagement between the US and Iran, leaving the door open for future negotiations.

Pakistan has pledged to continue its diplomatic efforts to sustain the ceasefire and push both sides toward a lasting political resolution.