Pakistan offers to host US–Iran talks as diplomacy intensifies over Middle East conflict
By Sabeeh Zanair :
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan is willing to host talks between the United States and Iran in an effort to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a post on X, the prime minister said Islamabad welcomed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war and was prepared to facilitate dialogue.
“Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict,” he wrote.
The message was later shared by Donald Trump on his Truth Social account.
Talks reported between Washington and Tehran
Mr Trump said earlier that US officials had held “very good and productive” discussions with Iranian counterparts aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East”.
According to the US president, talks began on Sunday and continued into Monday, involving US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr Trump’s adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The proposal for Pakistan to host negotiations comes as reports suggest Islamabad has been engaged in quiet diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions.
Back-channel diplomacy
A report by the Financial Times said Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
It reported that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, held a telephone conversation with Mr Trump on Sunday. The White House later confirmed the call.
The report also suggested that senior Pakistani officials have been involved in back-channel communication between Tehran and US representatives.
When asked about possible visits by Mr Witkoff or Mr Kushner to Islamabad, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the discussions were sensitive and declined to comment on specific plans.
Pakistan emphasises diplomatic solution
Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated that the country remains ready to host talks if both sides agree.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi told international media that Islamabad was committed to resolving the conflict through dialogue.
“Pakistan, consistent with its longstanding policy, remains committed to the resolution of the ongoing conflict… through diplomatic means and engagements,” he said.
Officials say Pakistan has also been coordinating with countries including Turkey and Egypt in recent diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
The conflict, which began on 28 February following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, has reportedly killed more than 2,000 people and triggered wider economic concerns, including rising energy prices and instability in global markets.
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