Washington, April 17, 2026 — United States President Donald Trump on Friday praised Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, following developments linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping.
Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz for Commercial Shipping Amid Ceasefire Progress
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in regional diplomatic efforts, stating: “Thank you to Pakistan and its great prime minister and field marshal, two fantastic people!”
The remarks came after Iran announced it would allow commercial vessels to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz during the period of a ceasefire linked to the Israel–Hezbollah truce, a move widely seen as a step toward de-escalation in the Middle East.
Pakistan has been playing a mediating role in ongoing diplomatic engagements between the United States and Iran, with Islamabad hosting and facilitating earlier rounds of indirect negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and advancing toward a broader settlement.
The latest developments have been welcomed internationally as signs of gradual progress in efforts to stabilize regional energy routes and ease geopolitical pressure in the Gulf.
