Pakistan to Host US-Iran Talks on Middle East Conflict

Pakistan has offered to host talks between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East, according to a report. The proposed discussions, which could take place in Islamabad as early as this week, would involve senior officials from both governments, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

The offer follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements. Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday. During the conversation, Sharif extended Eid ul Fitr and Nowruz greetings and conveyed Pakistan’s concerns over the “dangerous ongoing hostilities in the Gulf region,” while assuring Iran of Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating regional peace.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei indicated that Tehran has received overtures from “some friendly countries” regarding a U.S. request for negotiations to end the war. “Appropriate responses were given [to those initiatives] in accordance with the country’s fundamental positions,” Baqaei was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.

The development comes after President Trump stated that the U.S. would postpone attacks on Iranian energy facilities following “productive” talks. However, Tehran maintains that no direct dialogue with Washington is currently taking place. The White House declined to provide specifics, citing the sensitive nature of diplomatic discussions. The FT report suggests Pakistani officials are facilitating communications between Tehran and Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Pakistan’s potential role as a mediator aligns with broader regional efforts by nations like Egypt and Qatar. Islamabad has sought to balance its relationships, condemning the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei while maintaining strong ties with Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Sharif and General Munir met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh earlier this month.

Analysts note Pakistan’s unique position as a neighbour of Iran with significant influence in the Muslim world and a large diaspora in the Gulf—over 6 million Pakistanis work in the region, primarily in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and their remittances are vital to Pakistan’s economy. This geographic and economic stake provides Islamabad with a compelling interest in brokering stability.

While the specific agenda and participants of any talks remain unconfirmed, Pakistan’s initiative underscores growing international efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. The potential venue and timing are likely to depend on continued behind-the-scenes diplomatic coordination between the involved parties.