Iran, US back Pakistan role as Islamabad talks conclude

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said the United States and Iran have expressed confidence in its role as a facilitator, as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt concluded high-level consultations in Islamabad on de-escalating the conflict.

“I briefed the visiting brother foreign ministers about the prospects of potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The visiting foreign ministers expressed their fullest support for this initiative,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a televised statement after the four-way talks.

The diplomatic push comes as the conflict, sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, continues to expand across the region, with missile exchanges, attacks on critical infrastructure and mounting risks to global energy routes.

Dar said Pakistan is prepared to facilitate negotiations between the two sides, reflecting growing international backing for Islamabad’s role as a neutral intermediary.

‘Honored to host’

“Pakistan will be honored to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides… for a comprehensive and lasting settlement,” he said, adding that both Tehran and Washington had expressed confidence in Pakistan’s role.

The Foreign Office confirmed that visiting ministers had departed after the consultations concluded.

“The Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye departed Islamabad at the conclusion of quadrilateral consultations,” it said in a statement.

The Islamabad talks brought together key regional players at a critical juncture, as global attention increasingly turns to diplomatic pathways to contain a conflict that has disrupted oil markets, threatened shipping routes and heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

Officials said the consultations focused on coordinated efforts to promote dialogue and prevent further escalation, with participating countries emphasizing diplomacy as the only viable path forward.

Pakistan has, in recent days, intensified its outreach, maintaining contact with both Washington and Tehran while relaying messages between the two sides as part of its indirect engagement efforts.

The convergence of regional ministers in Islamabad underscores the urgency of the situation, as countries across the region seek to translate diplomatic momentum into tangible steps toward de-escalation.

While no formal agreement was announced, officials indicated that coordination would continue, with Pakistan positioning itself at the center of efforts to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions.

China appreciates Pakistan’s efforts

China appreciates Pakistan's efforts to promote de-escalation and continue mediating in the Middle Eastern conflict, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning during a press conference.

The spokesperson said that China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with all relevant parties, including Pakistan, to jointly promote peace, stop the war, and safeguard regional peace and stability.

“China supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions and resuming dialogue, and calls on all parties to launch a peace process as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added.