ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the United States and Iran to consider prolonging the ceasefire and to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, according to the Foreign Office (FO).
During a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, where regional developments were discussed, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s consistent stance that dialogue remains the most effective way to resolve conflicts and promote lasting peace and stability in the region.
He highlighted the importance of engagement between the US and Iran, urging both countries to extend the current ceasefire and remain open to diplomatic efforts. The FO added that Baker acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in fostering regional peace and facilitating communication between the two nations.
Trump Boasts of Strong Negotiating Position
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in America’s bargaining strength in negotiations with Iran aimed at ending Middle East hostilities. “We’re heading toward a great deal. They don’t really have a choice… Our negotiating position is very strong,” Trump stated in an interview with CNBC.
He also indicated a reluctance to extend the ceasefire with Iran, saying, “I don’t want to extend it. We don’t have much time.” Trump warned that if a deal isn’t reached soon, the US might resume military strikes against Iran, stating, “I expect to be bombing because I think that’s a better attitude to go in with. We’re ready to act the military is prepared.”
The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was scheduled to end at 8 pm (Eastern) on Tuesday, April 21, but Trump announced it would now conclude on Wednesday evening. Earlier in the day, he accused Iran of multiple ceasefire violations.
Possible Second Round of Negotiations
These developments coincide with reports that a US delegation is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad amid expectations of a second round of direct talks between Washington and Tehran.
The first round of US-Iran negotiations took place in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. While no agreement was reached, the talks did not break down, thanks to a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that remained in effect. Pakistan initially positioned itself as a mediator during the escalation following US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February, which triggered a global fuel crisis. The White House and Iran later acknowledged Pakistan’s role as a facilitator.
Following the initial talks, Pakistan’s leadership engaged in intensive diplomacy to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table. Reports indicated that US Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials were expected to leave for Islamabad, and Iran was reportedly considering participating after Islamabad’s efforts to lift US sanctions on Iranian ports. However, Iran has not officially confirmed its participation.
Iranian officials expressed skepticism about US intentions, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticizing what he described as “contradictory signals” from Washington, which he said sent a “bitter message.”
Iran’s foreign ministry also accused the US of not taking diplomacy seriously, citing alleged violations of the ceasefire, including US attacks on Iranian cargo ships and a naval blockade on Iranian ports. These actions were condemned by Tehran as “piracy,” prompting Iran to increase drone activity near US naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions further escalated after US forces seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday. Trump claimed this was enforcement of restrictions on Iranian ports, while Iran dismissed it as piracy, responding with heightened military activity in the region.
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