New Delhi, April 8 (UNI) In a significant breakthrough amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, effective across all theatres, including Lebanon.
“With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that Iran and the United States… have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere… effective immediately,” Sharif said, describing the move as a “sagacious gesture” aimed at restoring peace and stability in the conflict-hit region.
Welcoming the development, the Pakistani leader extended gratitude to the leadership of both nations and formally invited their delegations to Islamabad for high-level talks on April 10. The proposed dialogue—dubbed the ‘Islamabad Talks’—is expected to focus on forging a comprehensive and lasting agreement to resolve longstanding disputes.
Sharif underscored that both sides had demonstrated “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and remained constructively engaged in advancing the cause of peace. “We earnestly hope the Islamabad Talks will succeed in achieving sustainable peace,” he added, expressing optimism about further positive developments in the coming days.
The announcement comes as hostilities in the region, particularly involving Iran and US-backed positions, have sharply intensified in recent weeks, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Meanwhile, a statement shared by the White House and attributed to US President Donald Trump also signalled Washington’s support for de-escalation efforts, reinforcing hopes that the ceasefire could mark the beginning of a broader diplomatic reset in West Asia.
US special presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as Vice President JD Vance, are expected to take part in the talks with Iran in Islamabad.
Vance is currently visiting Hungary and may, after that, head for the talks in Pakistan.
UNI AAB IM