Thursday, April 16, 2026

World News

Pakistan delivers US message to Iran as Trump says end to war is ‘close’

Islamabad steps up mediation push ahead of possible second round of talks; ceasefire set to expire April 22.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Thursday, April 16, 2026

TEHRAN – Pakistan has delivered a fresh message from the United States to Iran in a renewed push to revive stalled negotiations, as US President Donald Trump said the war in the region was “very close” to ending.

A “high-ranking delegation” led by Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir travelled to Tehran on Wednesday to convey what Iranian state media described as “Washington’s new message” ahead of a potential second round of talks.

Iran is expected to decide on resuming negotiations with the US after reviewing the outcome of the meeting with the Pakistani delegation, the reports said, signalling cautious movement towards diplomacy amid ongoing hostilities.

The diplomatic outreach comes as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertakes a regional tour covering Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, in an effort to rally support for de-escalation. Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday for talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on bilateral ties and regional security developments.

Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran, working to broker an end to the conflict after helping secure a two-week ceasefire. The truce, seen as a critical window for diplomacy, is due to expire on April 22.

Close