US-Iran Ceasefire Takes Hold After Pakistani Mediation; High-Level Talks Set for Islamabad on April 10

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, suspending hostilities that have gripped the Middle East for weeks. The truce, brokered primarily through Pakistani channels, includes the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz for safe international shipping.

President Donald Trump announced the suspension of planned US strikes on Iranian targets late Tuesday, just hours before his self-imposed deadline expired. In a post on Truth Social, Trump credited conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, stating he agreed to halt “the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” subject to Iran allowing the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING” of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council quickly confirmed acceptance of the two-week ceasefire, describing it as a step toward broader negotiations while emphasizing it does not end the underlying conflict. Tehran has submitted a 10-point proposal as a basis for talks, covering issues such as sanctions relief, nuclear concerns, and regional security guarantees.

Pakistan has emerged as the key intermediary, with its leadership facilitating back-channel communications between Washington and Tehran. PM Sharif welcomed the ceasefire as a “sagacious gesture” and urged both sides to use the pause for substantive dialogue. Pakistani officials, including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, maintained intense overnight contacts with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The framework, tentatively called the “Islamabad Accord”, envisions an initial ceasefire phase followed by deeper negotiations on a comprehensive settlement, potentially addressing Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, and long-term de-escalation in the region, including Lebanon and other fronts.

High-level delegations from the US and Iran are now scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Friday, April 10, 2026 for direct negotiations. The talks could last up to 15 days or longer by mutual agreement, aiming to convert the temporary truce into a lasting peace agreement.

PM Sharif has invited the parties to Pakistan, positioning Islamabad as a neutral venue for what could become a historic accord.

Oil markets reacted positively to the de-escalation news, with concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies easing after the Strait of Hormuz commitment.

Analysts view Pakistan’s successful mediation as a significant diplomatic achievement for the country, highlighting its role in bridging divides between major powers amid a volatile regional crisis.