Shariff:
- Says diplomatic efforts are progressing steadily
- Requests Trump extend the deadline for two weeks
- Requests Iran open the Strait for two weeks as a goodwill gesture
- Urges all sides to observe a ceasefire for two weeks to allow diplomacy and achieve a conclusive termination of the war
Some positive movements in markets on this but Iran has dug in previously to say that it won't open Hormuz for a temporary ceasefire and only wants a conclusion to the war with guarantees.
Here is the full message:
Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture. We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region.
To make this work, either Trump will need to back off on his 'deadline' or Iran will need to back down on opening the Strait. Politically, it's tough for either side.
