Pakistan’s Dar urges US, Iran to consider extending ceasefire

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to consider extending the ceasefire and “to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance”.

The development came as Dar stressed the need for engagement between the US and Iran in meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker.

“DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability. He stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urged both sides to consider extending the ceasefire, and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.

“Cd’A Baker conveyed US appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive and positive role in promoting regional peace and facilitating dialogue.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump told CNBC in an interview on Tuesday that he did not want to extend a ceasefire with Iran, adding the US was in a strong negotiating position and would end up with what he called a great deal.

“I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of extending the ceasefire.

Washington has expressed confidence that talks with Iran will go ahead in Pakistan, and a senior Iranian official said Tehran was considering joining.

Iranian state television said on Tuesday that no Iranian delegation had yet departed for talks with the United States in Pakistan.

“So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation, primary or secondary,” state TV said, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.