Islamabad: Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has stated that diplomatic efforts for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Iran are 'progressing steadily,' urging US President Donald Trump to extend his ultimatum by two weeks.
According to Ghana News Agency, Trump has set a deadline for Iran to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by 8 pm on Tuesday in Washington (0000 GMT). Should Tehran fail to reopen the vital waterway, Trump has threatened to target and destroy all of Iran's bridges and power plants within hours.
In his appeal, Sharif also urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz 'for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture.' He further called for all involved parties to observe a ceasefire for the same duration 'to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war.'
Pakistan is among several countries mediating between Washington and Tehran, alongside Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. In response to the diplomatic proposal, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told the Axios website: 'The President has been made aware of the proposal, and a response will come.'