Pakistan PM 'hopeful' current momentum will bring Mideast peace

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif -- a key mediator in the war between Iran and the United States and Israel -- said Wednesday he was "hopeful" the current momentum on negotiations would lead to peace in the Middle East.

Sharif also praised President Donald Trump for pausing the escort of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz barely a day after the US began doing so.

"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," he said in a post on X.

"President Trump's gracious response ... will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.

"We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond."