ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan is prepared to host negotiations between the United States and Iran to seek an end to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed Pakistan’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
“We welcome and fully endorse ongoing efforts for dialogue to bring peace to the Middle East,” Shehbaz stated. “Subject to mutual agreement from the US and Iran, Pakistan is willing and honored to serve as a neutral venue to facilitate meaningful discussions towards a comprehensive resolution.”
This statement follows a recent development where former US President Donald Trump described the current US-Iran talks as “very productive” and “hopeful,” indicating progress towards a full resolution of hostilities. Trump mentioned that discussions had taken place starting Sunday and continued into Monday, involving key figures such as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law.
The Financial Times previously reported that Pakistan is positioning itself as a key mediator in the effort to end the US and Israeli-led conflict against Iran. According to sources briefed on the matter, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, engaged in a phone call with Donald Trump on Sunday. The White House has also confirmed this conversation.
Additionally, there have been indications that senior Pakistani officials are engaging in back-channel diplomacy, relaying messages between Tehran, Witkoff, and Kushner. When queried about the possibility of Witkoff and Kushner visiting Islamabad, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized the sensitive nature of these diplomatic negotiations, stating that “the US does not comment on such discussions until they are officially announced.”
Over the past two days, Pakistan, working closely with Turkey and Egypt, has played a critical role in unofficial diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting stability in the region. The Pakistani Foreign Office has reiterated that Islamabad is ready to host talks between Iran and the US if both sides agree, emphasizing Pakistan’s longstanding policy of resolving Middle Eastern conflicts through diplomacy.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi told CNN on Monday night, “If both parties are willing, Pakistan stands ready to facilitate dialogue.” In further comments to local media on Tuesday, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peaceful resolution, stating that the country remains dedicated to engaging in diplomatic efforts to settle the conflict.
The ongoing war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli actions against Iran, has resulted in over 2,000 casualties and has significantly impacted global markets, fuel prices, and inflation rates. The conflict has also strained Western alliances and increased regional instability.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, Pakistan’s role as a mediator reflects its strategic interest in regional stability and peace. Meanwhile, the US continues to monitor the situation closely, with officials stressing the importance of diplomatic engagement and stability in the Middle East.
