Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has urged President Donald Trump to extend his Tuesday night deadline to Iran over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Sharif said diplomatic efforts for a peaceful settlement of the war are progressing “steadily, strongly, and powerfully” with the potential to achieve substantive results in the near future.

“I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks,” the PM wrote on X, urging Iran to open the Strait for two weeks as a goodwill gesture.

Sharif urged the warring parties to observe a ceasefire within the same period to allow diplomacy to accomplish a conclusive termination of the war for long-term peace and stability.

President Trump’s warning about a “whole civilization” dying in a possible United States military action has increased tensions in the Middle East, with mediators, including Sharif, rushing against time.

Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday strongly condemned the ultimatum by the American leader, saying the threat against the population of Iran was inappropriate.

“There was this threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable,” he said while leaving the papal residence to the Vatican, in Castel Gandolfo.

The Pope noted that many have described the war as unjust, adding that escalating the conflict would further increase the costs of energy and other commodities.

“There are certainly issues ⁠of international law,” the Head of the Catholic Church said. “But even more than that, it is a moral question for the good of the people.”
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Tehran is reportedly considering Pakistan’s ceasefire proposal. Fox News also reported Trump’s response: “I’m not yet fully briefed. I know him (Sharif) very well; he’s a highly respected man,” he said.

Iran has called on people to form human chains around power plants as Trump’s deadline looms. Videos on social media show civilians gathered at different infrastructure bearing Iranian flags.