Pakistan says ceasefire efforts ongoing in Middle East, signals possible U.S.–Iran talks

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says efforts to maintain a ceasefire in the Middle East are continuing, crediting Islamabad’s diplomatic engagement with helping keep the truce in place.

According to statements attributed to Sharif, Pakistan is working to ensure the ceasefire holds and that peace initiatives do not lose momentum. He said there would be no relaxation in efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation.

Officials familiar with the discussions indicate that Pakistan is again attempting to bring United States and Iran back to the negotiating table. Reports suggest a new round of talks between the two countries could take place in Islamabad in the near term, though no official schedule has been confirmed.

According to the same reports, Iran is preparing a fresh proposal that may be conveyed to the United States through Pakistan. The potential framework could include discussions around maritime access, with indications that Iran may consider reopening a key shipping route if U.S. naval restrictions are eased. These terms have not been independently verified.