President of the United States (US), Donald Trump, has reportedly asked the Prime Minister (PM) of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, to scale back its strikes in Lebanon to support the negotiations with Iran that are set to be held in Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad, on April 10, tomorrow, further validating Pakistan’s stance on peace.
According to reports by international news outlet NBC News, Trump, on Wednesday, asked Netanyahu to scale back Israel’s strikes in Lebanon to support Iran negotiations.
Donald Trump said he was “very optimistic” a peace deal with Iran was within reach ahead of high-stakes talks in Islamabad.
“They’re agreeing to all the things that they have to agree to. Remember, they’ve been conquered. They have no military,” Trump said of Iran’s leaders.
He said that Iranian leaders “talk much differently when you’re at a meeting than they do to the press. They’re much more reasonable.”
Trump warned, however, that failure to reach a deal would carry consequences. “If they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be very painful,” he said.
This is another diplomatic win for Pakistan, since a ceasefire was announced between US and Iran.
However, multiple reports of ceasefire violations emerged, which were criticised by the PM of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
The PM took to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to urge restraint, saying that the violations undermine the spirit of the peace process.
The PM added, “I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon, so that diplomacy can take a lead role towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict.”
‘Were on verge of responding to ceasefire violations’
Prior to this, in another proof of Pakistan’s sincerity, credibility and centrality to the peace process, Iran’s deputy Foreign Minister revealed today that they were “on the verge” of responding to the ceasefire violation last night, but Pakistan intervened.
BREAKING: Iran's deputy Foreign Minister says they were "on the verge" of responding to the ceasefire violation last night, but Pakistan intervened https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 9, 2026
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/HUU9ZeNSNN
The war started on February 28 when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran. These strikes killed Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
These strikes also hit Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, reports say.
Pakistan has brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States of America (US) and Iran, after a 40-day-long war.
A large number of representatives and journalists affiliated with international news media want to come to Pakistan to cover the peace talks, causing an increase in demand for Pakistani visas.
In view of the upcoming talks, security in Islamabad has been tightened as well.
