The recent statements by US President Donald Trump and the shuttle diplomacy carried out by senior Pakistani military and government leaders in regional capitals have raised hopes of ending the US-Israel war with Iran through negotiations. This could initially take the form of a “framework agreement” between the United States and Iran to lay the groundwork for a final deal.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump struck an optimistic tone, saying the war was “about to end”, as “almost all” issues had been resolved. The remaining differences would be addressed in talks that he said would resume soon. He also said he might travel to Islamabad if a final agreement were signed there.
Despite Trump’s tendency to make exaggerated statements, his remarks this time appeared to be backed by a series of intensive diplomatic activities in the region. The surprise visit by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to Tehran for talks with Iranian officials—apparently to convey messages from Washington—suggested that the ground was being prepared for another round of negotiations between the US and Iran.
The messages conveyed were intended to address differences between the two sides over the remaining issues, as well as to discuss efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in Lebanon.
At the same time, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a three-country tour—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye—to brief their leaders on the latest developments in the talks aimed at ending the war.
This also indicates that diplomatic activity was in full swing in preparation for another round of direct talks between Washington and Tehran.
With the ceasefire among the US, Israel, and Iran holding since April 8, the announcement of a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel has boosted optimism and was widely seen as a step towards a peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Iran welcomed the truce, which received global backing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran views the truce as part of a broader understanding with Washington reached during talks mediated by Pakistan.
In fact, controversy arose shortly after the ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced, when Iran and Pakistan said it included a truce in Lebanon as part of a broader regional ceasefire, but Trump denied that.
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