← Latest news 
Trump admits Iran ceasefire came as a favor to Pakistan, then hints US may resume action
International
Published on 16 May 2026
Trump says he approved the truce only as Pakistan’s favor
US President Donald Trump said the US-Iran ceasefire, meant to open diplomacy toward ending hostilities in West Asia, was agreed “as a favour to Pakistan” because the country has mediated talks between Washington and Tehran. Trump also credited broader international pressure for influencing the pause. While he dismissed needing any “favours” from Xi Jinping over the Strait of Hormuz, he suggested China could still pressure Iran. Trump warned the US may carry out “cleanup work” after the month-long truce amid internal doubts about Pakistan’s messaging.
- Trump called the Iran ceasefire a favor to Pakistan, citing its mediation role
- He suggested international pressure helped shape the decision to pause hostilities
- Trump denied he needs any favours from Xi Jinping over Strait of Hormuz pressure
- The US may conduct “cleanup work” after the month-long ceasefire
- Pakistan’s mediator role is reportedly questioned inside the US administration
- Trump said Beijing could press Iran over Hormuz, despite his “no favours” stance
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times