Pakistan Continues Push for US-Iran Dialogue Amidst Obstacles and Regional Diplomacy

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan remains committed to its efforts to facilitate negotiations between the United States and Iran, despite acknowledging significant "obstacles" in the path to peace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

Islamabad's Sustained Mediation Efforts

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that Pakistan would "continue its efforts to promote facilitation and dialogue" to create conditions for "meaningful negotiations." His remarks, made during a weekly media briefing, followed US President Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" if a peace deal was not accepted.

Andrabi affirmed that both the US and Iran have confidence in Pakistan's role as a neutral intermediary. This trust was underscored by Iran's decision to permit 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a move he hailed as a "harbinger of peace" and a positive step for regional stability. The Hormuz route has seen disruptions since the US-Israel-Iran conflict began in late February, impacting global energy prices.

High-level contact between the two nations continues, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently speaking with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. President Pezeshkian stressed the importance of building trust to facilitate talks and praised Pakistan's "supportive role for peace."

Intensified Regional Diplomacy

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad on March 30, 2026 [Handout/Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AFP]

These diplomatic efforts coincide with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's recent return from Beijing, where he met with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The visit culminated in a joint five-point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire, urgent diplomatic engagement to prevent escalation, and the restoration of normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Andrabi confirmed that the Chinese-Pakistani plan has been shared with Iran, the US, and other stakeholders, receiving widespread appreciation. These proposals align with the outcome of a four-nation ministerial meeting held in Islamabad, where Dar hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt.

Pakistan has formally offered to host direct US-Iran negotiations, an offer reiterated by Andrabi. While acknowledging Iran's sovereignty in determining its policies, Islamabad remains focused on securing "meaningful negotiations among relevant stakeholders."

Olley News Insight: Pakistan has a long-standing history as a backchannel mediator between rival powers, a role it has played for decades from the Nixon administration to the current geopolitical landscape. This experience is critical in its efforts to bridge the divide between Washington and Tehran.

Pakistan Engages Afghanistan Amid Border Tensions

Separately, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry confirmed a delegation of senior officials travelled to Urumqi, China, for talks with Afghanistan. This marks the first substantive contact since Islamabad launched cross-border strikes in late February. The Urumqi meeting aimed to exchange views on the current escalation, with Pakistan emphasizing its "core concerns" regarding terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.

Andrabi reiterated that the "burden of real process" lies with Afghanistan to demonstrate "visible and verifiable actions" against groups like the TTP. He confirmed that Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, targeting alleged terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan, is continuing after a temporary pause for Eid-ul-Fitr. Islamabad maintains that its concerns about rising violence and unaddressed allegations against the Taliban administration remain.

Key Takeaways

  • Pakistan remains committed to mediating between the US and Iran despite acknowledged "obstacles" and escalating rhetoric.
  • US President Trump's recent threats have complicated the diplomatic landscape.
  • Iran has shown confidence in Pakistan by allowing its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route.
  • A joint China-Pakistan five-point initiative aims for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation.
  • Pakistan has formally offered to host direct negotiations between the US and Iran.
  • Islamabad is also engaging Afghanistan in Urumqi to address cross-border terrorism and security concerns.