Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif Praises Trump’s ‘Courageous Leadership’ in Pausing Strait of Hormuz Mission
ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly praised President Donald Trump for pausing the U.S. naval operation “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the decision a testament to “courageous leadership” and a significant boost to regional peace .
In a statement released following Trump’s announcement, Sharif thanked the U.S. president for his “gracious response” to a request made by Pakistan and other countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“President Trump’s gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my dear brother Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia H.R.H Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.”
— Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Mediation Role Takes Center Stage
The public acknowledgment marks a significant diplomatic victory for Pakistan, which has served as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran since the war began on February 28. Islamabad hosted the first round of U.S.-Iran peace talks on April 11-12 and has continued to shuttle proposals between the two sides.
Sharif’s specific reference to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince highlights the unusual diplomatic alignment between Riyadh and Islamabad on the issue, even as the UAE publicly demands that Iran reopen the strait. The Saudi kingdom has condemned Iranian attacks on the UAE but has also supported the diplomatic track mediated by Pakistan.
The pause is temporary—Trump made clear that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains “in full force and effect”—but it is the first time the U.S. has paused its military pressure since Project Freedom launched on Monday.
📉 Oil Market Reacts
Global crude prices plunged following Trump’s announcement, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropping nearly 10% to trade below the $100-per-barrel mark for the first time in weeks. The decline reflects market optimism that a negotiated solution could ease supply disruptions that have gripped global energy markets since the war began.
Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| What Sharif Said | Thanked Trump for “courageous leadership,” credits Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and MBS for the pause |
| The Announcement | Trump paused “Project Freedom” — U.S. naval escort mission in Strait of Hormuz |
| Mediators | Pakistan (primary), Saudi Arabia (supporting) |
| Blockade Status | U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports “remains in full force and effect,” Trump says |
| Oil Prices | WTI dropped nearly 10% following announcement |
| Diplomatic Context | Pakistan has hosted first round of U.S.-Iran peace talks; expects Tehran’s formal response this week |
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