Shehbaz Sharif thanked Donald Trump for pausing “Project Freedom,” praising his “courageous leadership and timely announcement.” He said the move will advance regional peace and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts and peaceful resolution of US-Iran tensions.

The US has made the claim that the “ceasefire is not over” even as the US and Iran trade blows on the Persian Gulf. Rather, Mr Hegseth said, Iranian boats firing on tankers and American warships is “harassment” that is more annoyance than armed conflict. That harassment has occurred 10 times since the ceasefire began.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Iran's leaders are "insane in the brain" and should not test President Donald Trump.