Key facts
- Pakistan announced it is prepared to host talks between the U.S. and Iran.
- Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed hope that the negotiations would contribute to regional peace and stability.
- Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud appreciated Pakistan's role in supporting mediation and diplomacy.
- Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye gathered in Islamabad to discuss de-escalation and potential US-Iran talks.
- Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, dismissed the talks as a cover.
- US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington was engaged in discussions with Iran.
Pakistan has emerged as a potential mediator for talks between the United States and Iran, with Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressing readiness to host discussions aimed at de-escalating regional conflict. Dar conveyed this during a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.
Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye convened in Islamabad to discuss pathways to end the ongoing conflict and explore the possibility of US-Iran dialogue. The Pakistani foreign ministry stated that the ministers advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the sole viable means to prevent conflicts and foster regional harmony. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously held an extensive conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
However, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, cast doubt on the significance of the proposed talks, characterizing them as a cover. This statement followed reports of U.S. Marines arriving in the Middle East and Iran's warnings against allowing "enemies" to conduct the war from neighboring territories. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged ongoing discussions with Iran, stating they were proceeding "extremely well" and that Iran had responded positively to a proposed ceasefire plan.
The regional diplomatic efforts also addressed the severe economic repercussions of the military escalation, including impacts on international navigation, supply chains, food security, and energy security due to rising oil and energy prices.