The current ceasefire, reached under the Islamabad understanding, is scheduled to expire on August 17. The latest development has raised hopes that the agreement will remain in place and prevent a renewed escalation between Washington and Tehran.
According to Turkey's Anadolu Agency, both the United States and Iran have communicated their agreement to extend the ceasefire through mediators. However, negotiations are still underway over the length of the extension.
A source familiar with the mediation process said messages were continuing to be exchanged through intermediaries as both sides work to determine the duration and conditions of the extended ceasefire.
Pakistan's Role in US-Iran Mediation
Pakistan has played a central role in efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. The current mediation process began with Pakistani diplomatic efforts, eventually leading to a ceasefire agreement and the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad on June 17.
The agreement was intended to create a framework for resolving outstanding disputes through negotiations. However, talks have faced obstacles over several issues, including security guarantees, US sanctions and the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently told Bloomberg that the United States and Iran appeared to be moving closer to an arrangement over the Strait of Hormuz. He said developments over the previous two to three days suggested that both sides were approaching some form of understanding.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Issue
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most difficult issues in negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The strategic waterway is a major route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, meaning prolonged disruption could affect international energy markets and prices.
Iran has maintained that full maritime traffic through the strait can only resume if the United States implements the terms of a broader understanding. Tehran has also opposed a return to direct negotiations unless issues surrounding US sanctions, military pressure and alleged violations of previous arrangements are addressed.
Despite these differences, indirect communication between the two sides continues through mediators.
Pakistan and Qatar Continue Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistan and Qatar have emerged as important intermediaries in efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.
During Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's recent visit to Tehran, discussions with senior Iranian officials included indirect US-Iran talks and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials reportedly welcomed Pakistan's diplomatic role, saying mediation efforts by Islamabad and Doha had increased the possibility of reaching an understanding between Washington and Tehran.
The reported agreement to extend the ceasefire could provide additional time for diplomatic efforts and reduce the risk of renewed military confrontation.
However, the duration of the extension and whether the two countries can resolve their remaining disputes will depend on negotiations and mediation efforts in the coming days.
