The fragile diplomatic balance in the Middle East adds a new chapter. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, , has publicly thanked Donald Trump for his decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran at the last moment, an unexpected turn that seeks to give oxygen to the negotiations.
“On behalf of myself and Marshal Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for accepting our request to extend the ceasefire so that diplomatic efforts can continue,” Sharif wrote on his social networks, evidencing Pakistan’s key role as a mediator in this conflict.
A last minute change of course
Trump’s decision has been especially surprising because it comes after days in which he had insisted that there would be no extension. However, just hours before the deadline expired, the US president backtracked and announced that he would maintain both the ceasefire and the naval blockade until Iran presented a proposal.
According to Washington, the reason is the “serious division” internal of the Iranian leadership, but Trump himself has acknowledged that Pakistan’s direct request has been decisive in his decision.
Pakistan, mediator in an increasingly tense scenario
between both powers, especially after hosting the first round of contacts on April 11 and 12. That meeting, led by US Vice President JD Vance, was the highest level between the United States and Iran since 1979, although it ended without concrete progress.
Even so, Pakistan insists on keeping the diplomatic channel open. “We will continue our sincere efforts to reach a negotiated agreement”Sharif stressed, trusting that both parties will respect the truce and can advance in the next round.
The negotiation, in the air
Despite the extension, the future of the talks remains uncertain. The positions between Washington and Tehran They remain very far away, especially after the naval blockade and recent military incidents in the area.
The second round of negotiations, scheduled in Islamabaddoes not yet have a confirmed date, which reflects the fragility of a process that advances between mutual distrust and contradictory gestures.
A respite… but with many doubts
The extension of the ceasefire offers a window of opportunity, but also makes clear that the situation is far from stabilizing. Every movement, every statement and every last-minute decision continues to set the pace of a conflict. that moves between diplomacy… and the constant risk of escalation.
And, once again, everything remains pending a key question: If this new margin will really serve to bring positions closer… or just to gain time.
