US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington agreed to a ceasefire with Iran “as a favour to Pakistan”, placing Islamabad at the centre of one of the biggest diplomatic crises in West Asia this year. Speaking aboard Air Force One after his visit to China, Trump said the truce was accepted following requests from several countries, especially Pakistan, which has been mediating between the United States and Iran for weeks.
Trump stated that he personally was not fully in favour of pausing military pressure on Iran, but agreed because Pakistan’s leadership pushed for diplomatic engagement. He praised Pakistan’s Prime Minister and military leadership while also hinting that international pressure influenced the decision.
The ceasefire comes after months of escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The wider West Asia crisis intensified following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets earlier this year, triggering retaliatory actions by Tehran and raising fears of a regional war. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, became a major flashpoint after Iran imposed restrictions and the United States responded with naval operations and a blockade.
Pakistan gradually emerged as a backchannel negotiator between Tehran and Washington. Reports suggest Islamabad hosted indirect talks, proposed phased ceasefire plans and urged both sides to avoid a larger conflict. Pakistani diplomacy reportedly helped delay fresh military action multiple times during the negotiations.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, tensions remain fragile. Trump has warned that military action could resume if Iran refuses to scale back its nuclear programme or reopen shipping routes fully. Iran, meanwhile, continues to reject several American conditions, especially demands linked to uranium enrichment and regional military restrictions.
Global powers including China and Gulf nations are closely watching developments, fearing another disruption in energy supplies and maritime trade. Analysts say the ceasefire may only offer temporary relief unless both sides agree on a broader political settlement.
For now, Pakistan’s unexpected role as mediator has drawn international attention, while Trump’s remarks have once again highlighted the complex alliances shaping the ongoing West Asia crisis.
