US Urges Pakistan to Convince Iran to Agree to Ceasefire

Washington (ANTARA) - The United States is said to have urged Pakistan over the past several weeks to persuade Iran to agree to a ceasefire, according to a report by The Financial Times on Wednesday (8/4). Citing several sources, the media report stated that US President Donald Trump has requested a ceasefire since 21 March, as Washington seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil prices. The report added that the US and Pakistan believe Iran is more likely to accept the proposal if it is conveyed by Islamabad, a neighbouring country with a Muslim majority that has remained neutral during the conflict. The escalation of tensions has effectively halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the main supply route for global oil and LNG. As a result, fuel prices have risen in most countries. On Tuesday (7/4), Trump approved a ceasefire with Iran for two weeks and stated that Iran has also agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council then said that Tehran will begin talks with the US on Friday (10/4) in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.