Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday posted to X thanking President Donald Trump for pausing the “Project Freedom” mission in the Strait of Hormuz, praising Trump “for his courageous leadership and timely announcement.” Sharif said the decision, made in response to requests from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and “other brotherly countries,” will “go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.” He added that Pakistan “remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy” and expressed hope the momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond.
– ABC News’ Kevin Shalvey
Ahead of President Trump’s anticipated trip to Beijing, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in China. According to a Xinhua readout, Araghchi told Wang, “Iran trusts China and expects China to continue playing a positive role in promoting peace and ending conflict and supports the establishment of a new post-war regional architecture that can coordinate development and security.” Araghchi also said “facts have proven that the political crisis cannot be resolved through military means.” Wang said China is willing to play “a greater role in restoring peace and tranquility to the Middle East,” calling for a complete cessation of hostilities and continued negotiations.
– ABC News’ Karson Yiu
The State Department announced plans for the phased closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan, shifting diplomatic operations to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The department said the decision reflects a commitment to the safety of diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management. Officials told Congress the closure would save about $7.5 million annually. The announcement follows an attack in March on the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, where Marine Security Guards opened fire on protesters attempting to storm the facility, killing several people.
– ABC News’ Shannon K. Kingston
President Trump said Tuesday that “Project Freedom”—the U.S. operation escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz—will be paused “for a short period of time” to see if an agreement can be reached with Iran. Trump said the pause was agreed “based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries,” noting “tremendous Military Success” in the campaign against Iran and progress toward a “Complete and Final Agreement.” The administration has said two vessels have been helped through the strait by Project Freedom. Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had described Project Freedom, which began Monday, as the next phase of the war.