US Urges Pakistan to Facilitate Temporary Ceasefire with Iran Amid Rising Oil Prices

The United States is pushing Pakistan to mediate a temporary ceasefire with Iran, motivated by rising oil prices and the unexpected strength of the Iranian regime. Following Trump's threats to Iran, Pakistani officials have been facilitating communication between Iranian leaders and the US. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's announcement of a two-week ceasefire proposal has drawn criticism, with speculation that he may have copied the message. As negotiations continue, the ceasefire's future remains uncertain, especially after Iran's recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli actions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 9, 2026, 11:50 IST

US-Pakistan Collaboration for Ceasefire

The United States has been encouraging Pakistan to mediate a short-term ceasefire with Iran, driven by concerns over escalating oil prices and the unexpected resilience of the Iranian government, as reported by a financial publication citing informed sources. The Trump administration sought Islamabad's assistance in persuading Iran to agree to a halt in hostilities, which would allow for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The report highlighted Pakistan's significant position as a Muslim-majority neighbor and intermediary in this diplomatic effort.

Following Trump's initial threat on March 21 to 'obliterate' Iran’s power plants, he expressed a strong desire for a ceasefire. Shortly after this ultimatum, Pakistani officials began facilitating communication between Iranian leaders and the White House. The Chief of the Pakistan Army engaged in numerous discussions with high-ranking US officials, including Trump, Vice President J D Vance, and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Both the US and Pakistan believed that Iran would be more inclined to accept a ceasefire proposal if it came from a neighboring Muslim-majority country that had maintained a neutral stance throughout the conflict. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly announced the two-week ceasefire proposal on social media after discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, facing criticism for the manner of the announcement. Sharif's post mistakenly included a subject line indicating it was a draft message from Pakistan’s PM.

Speculation has arisen that the Prime Minister may have copied and pasted a forwarded message. On Tuesday, the US, Israel, and Iran reached an agreement on the two-week ceasefire, with US and Iranian officials set to meet on Friday to negotiate a long-term resolution. However, the ceasefire's stability is uncertain, particularly after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon.