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The Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced this Wednesday that Islamabad will host peace talks between the United States and Iran next Friday, April 10, in a decisive step to solidify the that has shaken the Middle East since late February.
Sharif confirmed that he had a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who reaffirmed Iran's participation in the negotiations and thanked Pakistan for its efforts as a neutral mediator.
" I expressed my deep gratitude for the wisdom and sagacity of Iranian leadership in accepting Pakistan's offer to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week to work together for the return of peace to the region," declared Sharif. This diplomatic meeting comes after the announcement that Trump suspended bombing on April 7 for two weeks, opening a window of opportunity for negotiation.
The role of Pakistan as a mediator has been crucial in this process. The chief of the Pakistani army, General Asim Munir, was described by sources close to the White House as someone whom Trump called his favorite quarterback, which reflects the level of trust placed in Islamabad by both parties.
Among the elements that facilitated the agreement is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran confirmed this Wednesday, a measure of significant impact for global energy markets. Additionally, Tehran presented a ten-point Iranian proposal as the basis for negotiations to be held in the Pakistani capital.
In the regional context, Israel supported the two-week ceasefire, which broadens international support for this peace process. Analysts and specialized media agree in describing the mediation as the greatest diplomatic achievement for Islamabad in years, solidifying Pakistan's role as a significant player in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
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