Pakistan Foreign Minister Urges US and Iran to Extend Ceasefire as Islamabad Deadline Looms
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Conflict
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has issued an urgent appeal to the United States and Iran to extend the fragile two-week ceasefire, warning that the collapse of the truce could derail efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement. The call comes as the ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday, April 22, and as diplomatic efforts to arrange a second round of talks in Islamabad remain in limbo .
“We are urging both sides to extend the ceasefire. We need more time for diplomacy. The consequences of failure are too grave for the region and the world.” — Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan
Dar’s appeal represents Islamabad’s most direct intervention since the first round of talks collapsed on April 12 without a final agreement. Pakistan has served as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran, leveraging its unique position as a nation with ties to both capitals .
A Race Against Time
The ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan and announced by President Donald Trump on April 7, took effect on April 8. It was explicitly conditioned on Iran’s agreement to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING” of the Strait of Hormuz — a condition Iran has not met .
| Ceasefire Element | Status |
|---|---|
| Duration | Two weeks (announced April 7) |
| Start date | April 8, 2026 |
| Expiration | April 22, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Direct US-Iran hostilities | Paused |
| Strait of Hormuz | Largely restricted; Iran maintains control |
| Second round of talks | Uncertain; Iran has not committed |
President Trump has stated he does not want to extend the ceasefire again, warning that if no deal is reached, “lots of bombs” will begin to fall and he “expects to be bombing” Iran .
Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts Intensify
Islamabad has been working behind the scenes to salvage the diplomatic process. According to a senior Pakistani government official, the country has received “positive signals” from Iran and is actively engaged with both Tehran and Washington as the deadline approaches .
“We have reached out to Iran and we got a positive response that they will be open to a second round of talks.” — Senior Pakistani Government Official
The official added that the meeting would likely take place on the weekend, with delegations keeping Friday through Sunday open as potential dates . However, no firm schedule has been announced.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed gratitude to both sides for their willingness to negotiate and has urged them to uphold the ceasefire . Deputy Prime Minister Dar has held calls with his counterparts from Britain, China, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, conveying a consistent message that all parties must maintain the truce and that dialogue remains the only viable path forward .
The Stakes: What Failure Would Mean
Dar’s urgent appeal underscores the catastrophic consequences that could follow a collapse of the ceasefire:
For the Region:
- Resumption of US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure
- Iranian retaliation through proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen
- Potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, spiking global oil prices
- Escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah war into a full-scale regional conflict
For the World:
- Oil prices could exceed $150/barrel, triggering a global recession
- Disruption of critical supply chains, including food and fertilizer
- Further inflationary pressures on already strained economies
- Potential nuclear escalation if Iran decides to weaponize
For Pakistan:
- Economic fallout from higher energy prices
- Regional instability along its border with Iran
- Strained relations with both Washington and Tehran
The Diplomatic Stalemate
The core obstacle to a second round of talks remains the classic “chicken-or-egg” standoff: Washington demands Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon its nuclear ambitions before the blockade ends, while Tehran insists the blockade must be lifted before it will return to the negotiating table .
Iran has conditioned its return to the talks on an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Tehran considers a violation of the existing ceasefire . President Trump has rejected this condition, stating that “the blockade will not end until there is a ‘DEAL’.”
Key unresolved issues:
| Issue | US Position | Iranian Position |
|---|---|---|
| Enrichment suspension | 20 years | 5 years (offered) |
| Enriched uranium stockpile | Ship out of Iran | Keep, but dilute |
| Strait of Hormuz | Immediate, full reopening | Only after final peace agreement |
| Naval blockade | Continues until deal | Must be lifted before talks |
| Regional proxies | End support for Hamas, Hezbollah | Non-negotiable |
Sources: Multiple news reports, official statements
Iran’s Position: ‘No Decision Made’
Iran has not yet formally responded to US proposals for a second round of talks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has stated that “no decision has been made” regarding sending a delegation to Islamabad, adding that Iran is reviewing a US proposal but is in “no hurry” to respond .
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who would lead any Iranian delegation, has stated that Iran “will not accept negotiations under the shadow of threat.” He also warned that Tehran has “prepared to unveil new cards on the battlefield” over the past two weeks .
At the same time, Axios has reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has authorized a negotiating team to travel to Pakistan . Iranian state television has denied this, creating confusion about Tehran’s intentions .
What Comes Next
As the Wednesday deadline approaches, several scenarios are possible:
| Scenario | Likelihood | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Ceasefire extended | Uncertain | Would require Trump to reverse position |
| Last-minute deal | Unlikely | Would require major Iranian concessions |
| Ceasefire expires; limited strikes | Possible | Could be limited to naval/air targets |
| Full-scale war resumes | Elevated | Both sides preparing |
Pakistan’s appeal for an extension represents the international community’s last-ditch effort to preserve the diplomatic window. Whether Trump will heed this call — and whether Iran will respond positively — will determine whether the region returns to war or whether peace has a chance .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did Pakistan’s Foreign Minister urge?
Ishaq Dar urged the United States and Iran to extend the fragile two-week ceasefire, warning that the collapse of the truce could derail efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement .
2. When does the ceasefire expire?
The ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 .
3. Has President Trump agreed to extend the ceasefire?
No. Trump has stated he does not want to extend the ceasefire again and expects to resume bombing if no deal is reached .
4. What is Iran’s position on a second round of talks?
Iran has not yet committed to sending a delegation to Islamabad. Officials have stated that “no decision has been made” and that Iran will not negotiate “under the shadow of threat” .
5. What are the consequences if the ceasefire collapses?
Resumption of US-Israeli airstrikes, Iranian retaliation through proxy forces, potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, oil price spikes, and global economic disruption .
6. Why is Pakistan urging an extension?
Pakistan has served as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran and has a strong interest in regional stability. Islamabad fears the economic and security consequences of renewed war .
7. Is there still hope for a diplomatic breakthrough?
Pakistan has received “positive signals” from Iran and remains engaged with both sides, but the window for diplomacy is rapidly closing .
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