US stresses Pak role in search for W Asia peace

News Service Mumbai

The Donald Trump administration signalled on Wednes­day it intended to double down on Pakistan as the primary bridge to Tehran, even as the clock ticks towards the expiration of a fragile ceasefire that has momentarily halted the most significant regional conflict in decades.

Speaking at a White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that should a second round of direct negotiations materialise, “They would very likely be in the same place as they were last time,” referring to Islamabad where marathon talks stalled just days ago.

Despite reports of back-channel offers from European and Gulf intermediaries, the White House has made it clear that the road to peace—or a significant escalation—runs exclusively through the Pakistani military and civilian leadership. “The Pakistanis have been incredible mediators throughout this process, and we really appreciate their friendship and their efforts to bring this deal to a close,” Leavitt said, according to transcripts released by the AP. “So, they are the only mediator in this negotiation. While there have been many countries around the world that want to offer their help, the president feels it’s important to continue to streamline this communication through the Pakistanis.”

The 14-day ceasefire, which was brokered on April 8, is set to expire on April 22. The nature of the talks in Tehran has been described by the Turkish state-owned, TRT World as “frank and constructive”, yet the outcome remains precariously balanced. 

While Leavitt noted that “we feel good about the prospects of a deal,” she was careful to dispel rumours of an immediate ceasefire extension. “Bad reporting this morning that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment,” she told reporters. For now, the White House is content to wait, with Leavitt concluding: “We are continuing to see how these conversations go.”