ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed “deep and profound appreciation” to US President Donald Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s role in recent Gulf diplomacy, calling the American leader’s remarks “kind and gracious.”
In a statement posted on social media, the premier said he was speaking on behalf of the people of Pakistan and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, underscoring Islamabad’s gratitude for Washington’s recognition of its mediation efforts. “Pakistan values this gesture and remains committed to peace and stability in the region,” PM Sharif noted.
I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump’s gracious response to the request made by Pakistan and other brotherly countries, particularly the…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 6, 2026
The message followed Mr Trump’s announcement of a temporary pause in Project Freedom, the US‑supervised shipping initiative through the Strait of Hormuz, while maintaining the naval blockade against Iranian vessels. The US president had credited Pakistan and other countries for their role in facilitating progress toward a possible agreement with Tehran.
The American blockade of Hormuz — one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes — has disrupted global shipping since April, with Washington insisting the measures are necessary to pressure Iran into compliance with sanctions. Project Freedom was introduced to allow limited passage of non‑Iranian vessels under US oversight, aimed at calming jittery energy markets.
Mr Trump’s decision to suspend even those supervised movements was framed as a diplomatic lever, testing whether talks with Iranian representatives could be finalized.
According to Middle East observers, PM Sharif’s public appreciation signals Islamabad’s intent to reinforce its partnership with Washington, while highlighting Pakistan’s role as a mediator in Gulf tensions. The statement also reflects Pakistan’s bid to secure economic and strategic dividends from closer US ties, particularly in energy security and regional stability.
The exchange of statements between the two leaders adds momentum to ongoing diplomatic efforts. While the blockade remains in place, Pakistan’s endorsement of the pause in Project Freedom could ease immediate shipping concerns and bolster confidence among regional stakeholders.
Observers caution, however, that the durability of this goodwill will depend on whether negotiations with Iran yield a binding agreement.
