US President Donald Trump has claimed that the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran was reached partly “as a favour to Pakistan,” which has been acting as a mediator in ongoing diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his return journey from China, Trump said several countries had urged the United States to support a pause in hostilities in West Asia.
“We really did the ceasefire at the request of other nations. I wouldn’t have really been in favour of it, but we did it as a favour to Pakistan,” Trump said, while praising Pakistan’s leadership for facilitating communication efforts.
Ceasefire Followed Weeks Of Tensions
The ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was announced after weeks of heightened tensions in the region following joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran earlier this year.
Pakistan has reportedly been involved in backchannel diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and opening discussions for a longer-term political settlement.
Trump, however, stated that the United States may still need to carry out “cleanup work” despite the temporary truce, while also emphasising the effectiveness of US-led pressure measures against Iran.
Trump Mentions China And Strait Of Hormuz
During the interaction, Trump also referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping and suggested that China could encourage Iran to maintain stability around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Trump noted that China relies heavily on oil transported through the strait and would benefit from keeping the route open and secure.
“He gets about 40 per cent of his energy from the Strait. We get none,” Trump said while discussing Beijing’s potential influence over Tehran.
Questions Over Pakistan’s Mediator Role
Despite acknowledging Pakistan’s mediation efforts, reports suggest there are concerns within sections of the US administration regarding Islamabad’s handling of communications between Washington and Tehran.
According to media reports, some officials believe Pakistan may have presented Iran’s position to the United States in a more positive light than the actual ground situation.
The ongoing diplomatic developments come amid broader geopolitical tensions involving the US, Iran, Israel, China and regional powers, with the West Asia conflict continuing to impact global energy security and international diplomacy.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
