Iran live updates: Pakistan PM thanks Trump for pausing effort to 'guide' ships through strait

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday posted a statement to X thanking President Donald Trump for pausing the "Project Freedom" mission in the Strait of Hormuz, praising Trump "for his courageous leadership and timely announcement."

The decision, which Sharif said was made in response to requests from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and "other brotherly countries," will "go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period," the prime minister wrote.

"Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy," Sharif added. "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."

-ABC News' Kevin Shalvey

Ahead of President Donald Trump's anticipated trip to Beijing next week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to the country and met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

According to the Chinese readout published by the Xinhua News Agency, Araghchi told Wang, "Iran trusts China and expects China to continue playing a positive role in promoting peace and ending conflict and supports the establishment of a new post-war regional architecture that can coordinate development and security."

Araghchi also told Wang that "facts have proven that the political crisis cannot be resolved through military means," according to the readout.

Wang said that China is willing to play "a greater role in restoring peace and tranquility to the Middle East," Xinhua reported.

"China believes that a complete cessation of hostilities is imperative, restarting the conflict is even more undesirable and persisting in negotiations is particularly important," Wang said.

-ABC News' Karson Yiu

The State Department on Wednesday announced plans for the phased closure of the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan, saying it will shift diplomatic operations to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

"This decision reflects our commitment to the safety of our diplomatic personnel and efficient resource management," the State Department said.

The department previously notified Congress about its intention to close the consulate, reporting it would save the government $7.5 million annually, according to officials.

The U.S. Consulate in Karachi -- Pakistan's most populous city, on the country's southern coast -- was attacked by protesters in March following the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Marine Security Guards opened fire on protesters attempting to storm the facility, killing several people.

-ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "Project Freedom" -- the U.S. operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz -- will be paused "for a short period of time" to see if an agreement can be reached with Iran.

"Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed," Trump said in a post on social media.

The pause comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in the White House briefing room just hours earlier that Project Freedom, which began Monday, was the next phase of the war.

Trump first announced Project Freedom on Sunday in a post, promising the Navy would "guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways."

The administration has said that two vessels have been helped through the strait by Project Freedom.