Leaders discuss start of formal negotiations under Pakistan-facilitated framework and reopening of Hormuz Strait
Prime Minister Shehbaz (right) negotiates 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 respect to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
According to the statement, Prime Minister Shebaz “conveyed his deep appreciation for the wisdom and prudence of the Iranian leadership in accepting the ceasefire” and for accepting Pakistan’s offer to host Iran-US talks in Islamabad later this week.
President Pezeshkian, in response, “thanked the Prime Minister and appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani leadership to bring about a temporary ceasefire” and conveyed “his best wishes to the people of Pakistan,” it added. He confirmed that Iran would participate in the upcoming talks in Islamabad.
The statement further noted that both leaders “agreed to remain in close contact” while the diplomatic process continues.
Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that Iran and the United States, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon,” with immediate effect. The prime minister invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a final settlement.
US President Donald Trump approved the two-week ceasefire shortly before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on Truth Social, he described it as “a great day for world peace” and signaled US support for stabilizing the region, including ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway.
The Islamabad-hosted talks, brokered by Pakistan, will mark a significant milestone in the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and underscore Islamabad’s growing role in facilitating regional diplomacy.
