PAKISTAN has intensified its diplomatic role in efforts to salvage a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as mounting tensions over nuclear demands, economic pressure and military threats cast uncertainty over prospects for renewed negotiations.
Pakistan’s army chief met Iran’s foreign minister in Tehran on Wednesday in a bid to pave the way for a second round of talks between Washington and Tehran, following nearly seven weeks of conflict that has destabilised the region and disrupted global markets.
AP reported on Thursday the White House saying that any further negotiations would likely be held in Islamabad, although no final decision has been made on resuming formal dialogue before the ceasefire is due to expire next week.
Despite mediation efforts, pressure on Iran has intensified.
A US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, with the US President Donald Trump’s administration warning it would escalate economic measures against countries continuing trade with Tehran, describing the strategy as the “financial equivalent” of a bombing campaign.
Pakistan has emerged as a central intermediary after hosting earlier direct talks that officials said helped narrow differences. Diplomats are now racing to secure another round of negotiations before the current truce lapses.
Regional officials told The Associated Press that both sides have reached an “in principle agreement” to extend the ceasefire to allow more time for diplomacy, although the situation remains volatile.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held preliminary discussions with Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, with further talks expected to continue.
At the same time, rhetoric on both sides has hardened. Iran’s joint military command signalled it could halt regional trade if the US blockade is not lifted, while a senior adviser to the country’s supreme leadership opposed extending the ceasefire.
“Unlike the Americans who are afraid of continuous war, we are fully prepared and familiar with a long war,” said Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, according to state media.
Washington has also warned of additional sanctions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said countries and companies risk penalties if they continue doing business with Iran.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US had not “formally requested an extension of the ceasefire” but remained actively engaged in negotiations.
“At this moment, we remain very much engaged in these negotiations, in these talks,” she said, adding that future in-person discussions “would very likely” take place in Islamabad.
Negotiators remain divided over key issues that derailed previous talks, including Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damage.
Iran has indicated willingness to discuss limits on uranium enrichment but insists it must retain the right to continue the programme.
The US side, led by Vice President JD Vance, has proposed a 20-year moratorium on enrichment, while Iran has countered with a five-year suspension. The White House has rejected Tehran’s proposal.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with at least 3,000 people killed in Iran, more than 2,100 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and over a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen US service members have also died.
“I think they want to make a deal very badly,” US President Donald Trump said in an interview, signalling cautious optimism despite the standoff.
The war has shaken global markets, disrupted shipping routes and driven volatility in oil prices, particularly after Iran curtailed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies.
US Central Command said no vessels had breached the blockade since it was imposed, with multiple ships turning back under US direction.
Meanwhile, fighting has continued in Lebanon, where Israeli forces are pressing military operations against Hezbollah positions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said troops were close to eliminating a major stronghold and would continue expanding control in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes killed three paramedics and wounded six others in the south, although the Israeli military has not commented on the incident.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the coming days are seen as critical in determining whether negotiations can resume and prevent a return to wider conflict. - April 16, 2026
