Pakistan still hopes for positive response from Iran as Trump's deadline looms

Pakistan still hopes for a "positive response" from Iran despite Tehran's "insistence on preconditions" before US President Donald Trump's deadline on the Strait of Hormuz hours from now, a senior government official told Anadolu on Tuesday.

"The situation has gotten extremely complex and sensitive as the next few hours are very crucial. We still hope that we will get a positive response from Tehran," said the official on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

On Monday, official sources told Anadolu that Iran wants the US and Israeli forces to "immediately” halt their hostilities, particularly targeting top Iranian leadership, in addition to the unconditional withdrawal of Trump's deadline.

Trump on Tuesday threatened that “a whole civilization will die tonight” as his deadline for reaching a ceasefire agreement with Iran is due within hours, at 8 pm ET (0000GMT Wednesday).

Pakistan has positioned itself to mediate between the US and Iran, leveraging its good relations with both Washington and Tehran, and strategic and defense partnerships with China and Saudi Arabia.

Islamabad's proposal, according to Pakistani sources, includes an immediate ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz within two to three weeks to finalize a broader settlement, and subsequent in-person talks in Islamabad.