Pakistan Prime Minister Sharif Confirms Fragile U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Holds Amid Diplomatic Deadlock

PM Shehbaz Sharif confirms the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire is holding and says "full efforts" are underway to resolve issues after failed weekend talks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 10:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Ceasefire Maintenance Amid Failed Negotiations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed during a televised cabinet meeting that the two-week cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran is currently "holding." The remarks come as a relief to regional observers following the collapse of intense weekend negotiations in Islamabad, which failed to produce a formal deal. Sharif’s administration has positioned itself as a key mediator in the conflict, attempting to bridge the gap between Washington’s demands and Tehran’s security requirements.

Intensive Efforts to Resolve Standoff

Despite the lack of a breakthrough during the 21-hour negotiation window over the weekend, Sharif insisted that diplomatic channels remain fully active. "As I speak, full efforts are underway to resolve the outstanding issues," Sharif stated, signaling that the breakdown in talks was not an end to the process. The "outstanding issues" are widely believed to involve the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran’s enrichment of uranium, both of which have been cited as "red lines" by the respective parties.

Regional Stakes and Mediation Role

Pakistan’s role as a facilitator underscores the global stakes of the US-Iran conflict. A resumption of full-scale war would have catastrophic economic and security implications for neighboring Pakistan. By hosting the talks and maintaining a direct line to both leaderships, Islamabad is attempting to prevent a return to the kinetic strikes that characterized the first 40 days of the war. Sharif’s public confirmation of the ceasefire's status is likely intended to calm international markets and prevent accidental escalations at sea.