Four Pakistani sources have disclosed that mediation efforts to secure a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran were on the verge of collapse just hours before an agreement was reached. A late night diplomatic push led by Islamabad ultimately secured the truce and opened the door for anticipated direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
According to sources cited by Reuters, the process nearly derailed following an Iranian strike targeting a petrochemical facility in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week.
Last Minute Diplomacy Averted Collapse
The sources stated that Pakistani officials moved urgently in the final hours, relaying messages between Tehran and Washington while Donald Trump signalled that the deadline he had set for Iran was nearing its end. He warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in catastrophic consequences.
Pakistan’s efforts reportedly included direct engagement with senior figures from all sides, including Trump, Vice President JD Vance, US envoy Steve Witkoff, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi.
Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership remained engaged throughout the night, maintaining contact with officials in the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other countries until the agreement was announced.
Intensive Negotiations and Strategic Pressure
A second source described the negotiations as rapid and intense, noting they were close to failure before Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire without preconditions and committed to entering negotiations thereafter.
Iran was reportedly in a difficult position following the strike on Saudi Arabia and recognised that the deadline set by Trump would not be extended.
One source added that Trump was in direct communication with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, just minutes before publicly announcing the ceasefire.
Demand for Guarantees
Pakistan reportedly expressed strong concern to Iran following the strike on Saudi Arabia, given the existence of a mutual defence agreement between Islamabad and Riyadh that could have drawn Pakistan into the conflict.
At the same time, Islamabad sought assurances from Washington that Israeli military actions against Iran would be restrained. According to one source, Pakistan warned that continued Israeli operations could undermine peace efforts and make it difficult to bring Iran to the negotiating table.
Iran’s acceptance of a temporary ceasefire without conditions was ultimately contingent on receiving guarantees that Israeli military activity would be scaled back.
Core Issues in Late Night Talks
As the deadline approached, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire to allow space for a broader peace process.
A regional diplomat involved in the discussions said the overnight talks focused heavily on a proposed fifteen point framework put forward by the United States. Two central issues dominated the discussions: the structure of the ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations.
Iran reportedly raised demands including recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a position widely expected to be rejected by Washington. It also sought guarantees for its right to develop a civilian nuclear programme and to establish bilateral defence agreements with regional states.
Mediators deliberately avoided introducing highly sensitive issues that could trigger direct confrontation.
The Most Difficult Phase
A third source identified the most challenging stage of negotiations as persuading Iran to accept a ceasefire without preconditions.
Until the final hours, Iran maintained a firm position and was unwilling to compromise without first presenting its demands. Mediators reassured Tehran that these issues could be addressed during subsequent negotiations.
By the time Trump formally announced the ceasefire and Sharif invited both delegations to engage in talks, dawn was breaking over Islamabad.
Sharif later stated that the overnight efforts demonstrated the importance of persistence during critical moments, describing the process as a lesson for future generations.
Israeli Opposition to the Agreement
On the Israeli side, a source indicated that Tel Aviv opposed reaching an agreement with Iran, believing that continued military operations could yield further strategic gains and weaken Iranian leadership.
Despite this, Israel ultimately chose to support any decision taken by the United States.
Another source stated that Israeli officials had pressured the Trump administration not to proceed with an agreement with Tehran.
An Israeli official confirmed that Washington coordinated closely with Tel Aviv and clarified that the ceasefire does not include commitments to permanently end the war, compensate Iran, or lift sanctions.
The official added that any future negotiations would likely involve US demands for Iran to surrender nuclear materials, halt uranium enrichment, and dismantle its ballistic missile programme.
Talks Expected to Begin in Pakistan
Negotiations between Washington and Tehran are expected to begin on Friday in Pakistan, despite early challenges to maintaining the ceasefire.
The US delegation is set to be led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Pakistani sources indicated that Iran’s delegation will be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with indications that the talks may take place directly between the two sides.
