US, Iran Agree to Extend 60-Day Ceasefire

The United States and Iran have agreed in principle to extend a 60-day ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, as the current agreement is set to expire on August 17, Pakistani government sources said on Wednesday.

The two sides have conveyed their consent to mediators to extend the ceasefire, although they have yet to agree on the duration of the extension, according to a source familiar with the mediation process.

“The two sides have conveyed their consent to the mediators to extend the deadline,” the source said, adding that Washington and Tehran are still exchanging messages to determine the length of the extension.

Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran in April, followed by the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 17. The agreement was intended to pave the way for direct negotiations toward a comprehensive settlement.

However, the talks later stalled over differences concerning security guarantees and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy and trade route.

The two countries also exchanged military strikes between July 8 and July 24. The US carried out attacks on targets inside Iran, while Tehran responded with strikes on what it described as US military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries, including Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Pakistan Pushes for Resumption of Talks

Pakistan on Wednesday said it was making “all-out” efforts, together with regional partners, to revive direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran and help end the prolonged conflict.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan was working to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table and build on the Islamabad MoU to promote peace and stability in the region.

He said Islamabad remained engaged with “brotherly states” in efforts to resolve the crisis and would continue using direct and indirect channels to overcome obstacles and support constructive dialogue.

Naqvi Holds Talks in Tehran

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran on Tuesday as part of Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts. During the visit, he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials.

The discussions focused on bilateral relations, security matters and regional developments, particularly efforts to restore peace and stability.

Naqvi, along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has played an active role in Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the US and Iran.

The proposed extension of the ceasefire could provide additional time for Washington and Tehran to address outstanding differences and resume direct negotiations toward a longer-term agreement.