ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host a crucial round of diplomacy as top foreign ministers from key regional players gather in the capital on March 29–30 to address escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
The meeting bringing together officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan will focus on urgent steps to defuse the crisis, which has intensified since late February. Iran has continued retaliatory actions targeting US-linked assets and critical infrastructure across the Gulf region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad will host the talks, describing them as part of a broader diplomatic push to promote stability through dialogue. He will chair the sessions, joined by Hakan Fidan, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Badr Abdelatty.
Originally planned to take place in Turkey, the venue was shifted to Islamabad due to scheduling constraints. Officials say all participating nations are aligned in their goal of easing tensions between Iran and the United States through coordinated diplomatic engagement.
On the sidelines of the talks, the visiting ministers are also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss broader regional cooperation and security concerns. While Pakistan remains in contact with Tehran, authorities have kept public statements limited due to the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations.
In parallel, the United Nations has stepped in to address growing risks to global trade routes. Secretary-General António Guterres announced the formation of a special task force aimed at safeguarding the flow of humanitarian aid and essential goods through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The diplomatic gathering in Islamabad is being seen as a timely effort to prevent further escalation and reinforce regional cooperation at a moment of heightened geopolitical strain.
