- President Donald Trump stated he paused action against Iran at the request of Pakistan.
- The move highlights Pakistan's growing role as a mediator in US-Iran tensions.
- No further details were provided on the nature or duration of the pause.
A Surprising Diplomatic Turn
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he agreed to “put a brake” on actions against Iran after a personal request from Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The statement, made during a meeting with Khan at the White House, signals a potential shift in the administration's hardline stance on Tehran.
“I could have done certain things, but at the request of the prime minister, I put a brake on it,” Trump told reporters, without specifying what measures were paused. Khan, standing beside him, thanked the president for his “restraint.”
Pakistan's Mediation Role
Pakistan has long positioned itself as a bridge between the US and Iran, given its geographical proximity and historical ties to both nations. Khan, who has previously offered to mediate, told Trump that war between the US and Iran would be catastrophic for the region, according to people familiar with the matter. The Pakistani leader also stressed the need for dialogue to resolve the nuclear standoff.
Trump's comments come amid heightened tensions following the downing of a US drone by Iran and tit-for-tat cyberattacks. The US has imposed crippling sanctions on Tehran, while Iran has breached key limits of the 2015 nuclear deal. The president has oscillated between threats of military action and offers of negotiation.
Implications
The White House did not elaborate on the scope of the pause. National security adviser John Bolton, a noted Iran hawk, was not present at the meeting. Analysts suggest the move may be aimed at buying time for diplomatic efforts, though no formal talks are scheduled.
This article was updated to clarify the context of Trump's remarks.