ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Sunday that both the United States and Iran have expressed confidence in Islamabad to facilitate peace talks, as diplomatic efforts intensify to contain a rapidly expanding regional conflict.
Speaking after a quadrilateral meeting with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, Dar said Pakistan stands ready to host negotiations aimed at ending the war.
“It would be an honor to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in the coming days for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict,” he said.
The development signals a rare convergence of trust from opposing sides, with Pakistan emerging as a key channel for communication as the conflict, sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, continues to reverberate across the Gulf, disrupting energy routes and heightening global economic uncertainty.
Dar said the participating countries unanimously emphasized diplomacy as the only viable path forward.
“We advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable pathway to prevent conflict and promote regional peace and harmony,” he said, adding that ministers also called for “upholding principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.”
Pakistan has remained actively engaged with multiple stakeholders, maintaining contacts with Washington, Tehran and regional capitals to reduce tensions and keep diplomatic options open.
“We have remained actively engaged with the US leadership as part of our efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Dar said.
He added that Pakistan’s initiative has received broad international backing, including support from China and appreciation from global partners.
“We have remained actively involved in all efforts and initiatives aimed at bringing this conflict to an end,” he said, expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for supporting Pakistan’s peace efforts.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, appreciating Riyadh’s restraint amid escalating tensions.
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s “full and unwavering solidarity” with Saudi Arabia, while both sides agreed to continue close coordination to promote regional peace and stability.
Officials said the flurry of high-level engagements reflects growing urgency among regional and global actors to prevent further escalation and create space for a negotiated settlement.
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