By Junaid Qaiser
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had canceled scheduled U.S. military strikes and bombings against Iran, declaring that a “great settlement” to end the war is within reach after key discussion points received approval at the highest levels of Iranian leadership. The reversal came just hours after Trump had vowed to hit Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and take “total control” of its oil and gas industries, including the strategically vital Kharg Island terminal, “in the not too distant future.”
For weeks, the world had watched anxiously as tensions between Washington and Tehran pushed the Middle East closer to a wider conflict. Military strikes, retaliatory attacks, and fears of disruptions to global energy supplies created an atmosphere of uncertainty that extended far beyond the region.
However, amid the noise of war and political rhetoric, diplomacy quietly continued its work. One country that remained consistently engaged in promoting dialogue is Pakistan.
The announcement by President Trump that a deal may be near did not emerge in isolation. Behind the scenes, several countries have been working tirelessly to keep communication channels open and prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. Among them, Pakistan has played a notable and constructive role.
At the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, urged all parties to exercise restraint and “give peace a little more chance.” His words reflected Islamabad’s broader approach to the crisis: encouraging dialogue instead of confrontation and negotiation instead of military escalation.
Pakistan has not limited itself to statements alone. The country’s diplomatic engagement has included direct contacts with regional stakeholders and efforts to facilitate communication between key players. The recent visit of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Tehran, carrying messages from Field Marshal Asim Munir, demonstrated Islamabad’s commitment to helping create conditions for a negotiated settlement.
These efforts received significant recognition when United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s active mediation role and called on all parties to honor the ceasefire. Such recognition from the UN’s highest office is a testament to the credibility and seriousness of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement.
The importance of these efforts becomes even clearer when viewed through an economic lens. According to the World Bank, the Iran conflict has delivered the most severe shock to the global economy since the Covid-19 pandemic. Rising energy prices, uncertainty in international markets, disrupted shipping routes, and declining investor confidence have affected countries far beyond the Middle East.
For developing nations already grappling with economic challenges, a prolonged conflict would have been particularly damaging. This is why every diplomatic breakthrough matters. Peace is not merely a political objective; it is also an economic necessity.
Trump’s decision to cancel military strikes suggests that diplomacy may finally be gaining ground over confrontation. While many obstacles remain, the fact that discussions have advanced to the highest levels of leadership in both countries offers a degree of optimism that was difficult to imagine only days ago.
Pakistan’s leadership, particularly CDF Asim Munir deserves credit for remaining committed to the path of dialogue during a period when military options appeared to dominate the conversation. Rather than choosing sides, Islamabad chose engagement. Rather than adding to regional tensions, it worked to reduce them.
This approach reflects a growing maturity in Pakistan’s foreign policy. As a country with strong ties across the Muslim world and constructive relationships with major global powers, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge during moments of crisis. Its role in the current situation demonstrates how middle powers can make meaningful contributions to international peace and security.
The prospect of a memorandum extending the ceasefire and addressing critical issues such as regional security, maritime navigation, and nuclear concerns represents a significant opportunity. If successful, it could ease tensions across the Middle East, stabilize global energy markets, and provide much-needed relief to an anxious world.
For Pakistan, the developments also highlight the value of principled diplomacy. Its message throughout the crisis has been consistent and clear: dialogue must remain open, and peace must be given every possible chance.
As President Trump now speaks of a deal being near, it is worth remembering that peace agreements do not emerge overnight. They are built through countless conversations, patient mediation, and the willingness of nations to keep talking even when conflict appears inevitable.
The coming days will reveal whether this diplomatic opening evolves into a lasting settlement. But one thing is already evident: at a critical moment for regional and global stability, Pakistan chose the difficult path of peace—and that choice is beginning to bear fruit.
