A ceasefire, albeit temporary, has been reached between Iran and the United States. Neither side will attack for 14 days. Pakistan is trying to take credit for this agreement. However, China is the real driver behind the scenes. Sources claim that China negotiated with Iranian leaders and convinced them to seek a ceasefire with the United States. China is also Iran’s largest trading partner, so Iran listened. According to a PTI report, two officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Chinese officials were in contact with Iranian officials during the talks.
One official said that China is trying to use its influence, working primarily with mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on this. Earlier on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that all parties should show sincerity and end this war as soon as possible, which should never have started. She added that China is deeply concerned about the impact of this conflict on the global economy and energy security.
US President Donald Trump agreed to a ceasefire about two hours before the deadline. Trump announced this on Truth Social on Tuesday evening. Trump stated in a social media post that Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir spoke and requested that he halt the destructive action against Iran tonight, but on the condition that the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to completely, immediately, and safely open the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council in Tehran stated that it has accepted the two-week ceasefire.
A long process of negotiations may now follow after the ceasefire. According to reports, Iran and the US may hold talks in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has invited US and Iranian delegations to Islamabad next Friday (April 10). Pakistan says that further talks can be held there to resolve all disputes. US President Donald Trump also stated in a social media post that the US has received a 10-point proposal from Iran, which he considers a viable basis for negotiations.
Following the ceasefire, the US President stated that the two-week ceasefire will be used to negotiate a major agreement. He stressed that this could eliminate the threat of war. Trump stated, “The reason for doing this is that we have already achieved all military objectives and we are very close to a solid agreement on long-term peace with Iran and peace in the Middle East.” He also stated that agreement has been reached on almost all previously disputed issues between the US and Iran. The next two weeks will prove helpful in finalizing the agreement.