President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have officially welcomed the initiation of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, marking a critical moment in Pakistan’s emerging role as a mediator in the wider regional conflict involving Iran and the United States.
The truce, which offered a brief respite to Beirut and southern Lebanon on Friday, remains fragile. Early reports from the Lebanese National News Agency indicated the first breach occurred when an ambulance was hit in the border town of Kounine, causing casualties among medical personnel.
At the same time, the Lebanese Army accused Israeli forces of intermittent shelling described as “acts of aggression,” while Israel’s military defended its actions as necessary responses to ongoing Hezbollah activities.
In a significant development for Pakistani diplomacy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir for their instrumental roles in facilitating the ceasefire. Following a high-level meeting in Tehran on Thursday, President Pezeshkian highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in bridging the divide between Tehran and Washington.
President Zardari characterized the ceasefire as a crucial step toward de-escalation and regional stability, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Lebanese sovereignty. Similarly, PM Shehbaz expressed optimism that the agreement would lay the groundwork for lasting peace. Reports indicate that Field Marshal Munir’s shuttle diplomacy was key in resolving complex issues that had previously hindered negotiations.
Meanwhile, in Washington, President Donald Trump added to the hopeful atmosphere by suggesting that a comprehensive deal with Iran could be finalized as soon as this weekend. Speaking outside the White House, Trump revealed that Iran had proposed suspending its nuclear program for over 20 years, a significant concession compared to earlier positions.
Trump stated, “We’re very close to making a deal with Iran,” noting that such an agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease the global oil price crisis. He also hinted at a possible visit to Islamabad to sign the final accord if the breakthrough is achieved. However, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned that American forces remain ready to resume combat operations if the talks fail to secure a permanent resolution.
Despite these diplomatic advances, the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon remains severe. Since the escalation of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran in late February, more than one million Lebanese have been displaced. While celebrations erupted in Beirut at midnight on Friday to mark the ceasefire, the threat of renewed violence continues to loom.
Hezbollah issued a stern warning, asserting that its “finger remains on the trigger” to guard against perceived enemy treachery. The group emphasized that it would honor the truce only if Israeli aggression ceases.
In parallel, French President Emmanuel Macron joined international calls for restraint, urging Hezbollah to disarm and demanding that Israel respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity. Macron stressed that ongoing military actions could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire.
