Sharif, on the ‘X’ platform, on behalf of himself and the Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, expressed appreciation for the acceptance of the request, affirming that sincere efforts will continue to reach a negotiated settlement.
Earlier, the U.S. President, Donald, announced an extension of the ceasefire towards Iran until Iran presents its proposal and discussions conclude one way or another. The U.S. President stated in a statement on the ‘Truth Social’ platform: ‘Given the sharp division within the Iranian government, which was anticipated, and based on the request of Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, we were asked to hold off our attack until their leaders and representatives present a unified proposal.’
President Donald Trump also announced the continuation of sanctions on Iranian ports, despite Washington agreeing to delay strikes on Iran. On April 8th, Iran and the United States reached an agreement to ceasefire between them for two weeks, following a military escalation that lasted about 40 days, including extensive attacks on sites within Iran leading to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, along with around 3,500 people.
Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and American military installations in the Middle East. On April 11th, a round of talks was held in Islamabad aiming for a permanent ceasefire and conflict resolution, but it ended without significant results amid disagreements over Tehran’s desire to control the Strait of Hormuz and its refusal to abandon its enriched uranium stockpile.
Following this, Washington announced on the 13th of the same month the imposition of a naval blockade on Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s shipments of oil and its derivatives and liquefied natural gas pass.
