Pakistan acting as key mediator in US-Iran backchannel diplomacy

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clarified on Thursday that reports circulating in sections of the media regarding peace talks in the Middle East were speculative and “not fully accurate”.

In a statement shared on X, he stated that indirect engagement between the United States and Iran was currently underway, with Pakistan playing a facilitative role by relaying messages between the two sides.

According to Dar, Washington has conveyed a set of 15 points, which are presently under consideration by Tehran.

He further noted that several brotherly countries, including Türkiye and Egypt, are also supporting the ongoing diplomatic initiative aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, the Foreign Minister emphasized that the country remained fully committed to promoting peace and was making continuous efforts to ensure stability both regionally and globally.

He underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward to resolve ongoing conflicts.

‘Pakistan actively engaging regional countries’

In a media briefing held today, Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi also reiterated that Pakistan was actively engaging with regional countries to help reduce tensions in the Middle East.

Andrabi noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have been in continuous contact with their counterparts on the evolving situation.

He informed that the Prime Minister recently held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during which he strongly condemned the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and appreciated the Kingdom’s restraint. The prime minister also contacted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in recent days to discuss regional developments.

According to Andrabi, Dar has also maintained extensive diplomatic outreach, holding discussions with counterparts from Norway, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Egypt, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Iran. He also undertook an important visit to Saudi Arabia on March 18 as part of these efforts.

The spokesperson emphasized that diplomacy in times of heightened tensions requires patience, discretion, and quiet engagement.

Responding to remarks by India’s Foreign Minister against Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Andrabi described the statement as “undiplomatic”.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, the spokesperson said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already expressed support for all efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, adding that Pakistan remains engaged with regional and global leadership to promote peace and stability.