Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that US-Iran negotiations faced repeated collapse points before reaching a breakthrough, crediting Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for sustaining the mediation efforts throughout the ordeal.
“Throughout this period, he was awake all day and night,” Sharif told the National Assembly on Monday, acknowledging Munir’s dedication to “extinguishing the flames of war.” Despite numerous moments when negotiations appeared doomed, Munir persisted, Sharif added.
The unusually detailed public acknowledgment provides insight into how Pakistan accomplished what many considered improbable: brokering a deal to end over three months of conflict that killed thousands, predominantly in Iran and Lebanon, while disrupting global energy markets.
Sharif also recognized Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and regional partners including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and China for their mediation roles.
The agreement, announced early Monday, establishes an immediate and permanent end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. US President Donald Trump confirmed the deal on Truth Social, stating, “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.”
A signing ceremony will be hosted by Pakistan in Geneva on Friday. The 14-point memorandum of understanding requires the US to lift its naval blockade of Iran within 30 days and withdraw forces deployed near the country.
The strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, effectively closed by Iran since February 28, will reopen for normal transit under the agreement. Iran’s estimated $24 billion in frozen assets are also slated for phased release over 60 days of further negotiations addressing the nation’s nuclear program.
Discussions on Iran’s missile program and support for armed groups have been deferred from immediate agenda items, according to Iranian state media.
The negotiations occurred under Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following the elder leader’s death on February 28—the opening day of the US-Israel campaign against Iran.
Sharif specifically named Khamenei among leaders demonstrating “immense wisdom, prudence and patience under extremely difficult circumstances.”
Pakistan’s path to the announcement proved non-linear and complex. A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire initiated on April 8 followed Munir’s final-hour calls to US officials before Trump’s strike deadline expired. The truce held narrowly until Trump extended it indefinitely upon Munir and Sharif’s “personal request.”
Subsequent talks in Islamabad on April 11-12—the highest-level direct US-Iran engagement since 1979—concluded without agreement, halting face-to-face negotiations for weeks.
Jauhar Saleem, a former Pakistani diplomat, characterized Islamabad’s mediation as fundamentally driven by persistent diplomacy. “It’s rather an example of a never-give-up approach where an honest broker respected by both sides can eventually help overcome an overwhelming trust deficit,” he explained to Al Jazeera.
Pakistan’s influence stemmed from its credibility as a trusted intermediary, balancing warring parties while navigating internal divisions between pragmatists and hardliners, particularly within Iran, Saleem noted.
Regional cooperation proved crucial. On March 31, Pakistan and China signed a five-point peace plan, reflecting Beijing’s concerns about Hormuz blockade impacts on oil imports. In May, Munir visited Tehran again with Foreign Minister Dar, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made multiple Islamabad visits engaging both military and civilian leadership.
As negotiations entered their final phase, Dar coordinated with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent and sustained efforts” supporting mediation throughout the process.
Same-day, Sharif announced the “final, agreed-upon text,” stating, “Peace has never been this close as it is now.”
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry indicated no immediate plans for its delegation to travel for signing—highlighting final-hour uncertainties. An Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs triggered Tehran’s angry response, with parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf questioning Washington’s commitment enforcement capability.
Despite sharp rhetoric, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signaled diplomacy remained viable. Pakistani officials declined commenting on negotiation specifics or final-hour mechanics, though Sharif’s X announcement followed Trump’s prompt confirmation.
“Nations have sought for decades the respect and honour which has been awarded to Pakistan for its efforts in the peace process,” Sharif told lawmakers.
