Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the US-Iran ceasefire is still in effect and that diplomatic efforts to resolve outstanding issues are continuing, in a statement that came hours after the United States activated its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
“The ceasefire is still holding and, as I speak, full efforts are under way to resolve the outstanding issues,” Sharif told his cabinet on Sunday, according to an AFP translation.
Blockade complicates diplomacy
The statement, delivered at approximately 8:10 PM Sri Lanka time, came after the US military activated its blockade at 1400 GMT (7:30 PM SL) on April 13. The Pentagon had earlier issued a “capture” warning to all vessels regardless of flag state in the Strait of Hormuz — the most aggressive enforcement language yet.
Pakistan brokered the two-week ceasefire announced on April 8 in Islamabad, but subsequent talks collapsed on April 12 over Iran’s refusal to accept nuclear enrichment restrictions.
Sharif’s framing suggests Pakistan views the ceasefire framework as separate from the blockade — a distinction that could prove critical if negotiations resume. Pakistan has positioned itself as the primary mediator since hosting the initial round of talks.
The diplomatic picture remains uncertain for Sri Lanka, which depends on Hormuz transit routes for fuel imports and faces continued rationing measures while supply disruptions persist.
