Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday night urged the United States to extend its deadline for Iran by two weeks, while simultaneously calling on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the same period to allow diplomacy a chance to succeed.
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In a statement, the premier said Pakistan’s mediation efforts were progressing “steadily and strongly,” with the potential to yield meaningful results. He appealed to US President Donald Trump to delay the deadline, stressing that a temporary pause could help achieve a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict.
Pakistan also urged all parties involved in the conflict to observe a two-week ceasefire, describing it as a necessary step toward long-term regional stability.
The appeal comes amid rising tensions after reports suggested Iran had scaled back direct negotiations with Washington following strong rhetoric from Trump, including warnings of severe military consequences if a deal was not reached.
Meanwhile, hostilities intensified across the region, with reported airstrikes on Iran’s Kharg Island and continued exchanges between Iran and Israel. The situation has raised global concerns, particularly over disruptions to energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes—remains under threat.
The United Nations Security Council has also been engaged in emergency deliberations, highlighting the urgency of de-escalation as fears of a broader regional conflict grow.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator in the crisis, maintaining close diplomatic engagement with regional and global stakeholders in an effort to prevent further escalation and bring both sides back to the negotiating table.
