• Islamabad joins Turkey and Egypt in quiet diplomatic push
• Efforts seen as key to delaying US strikes on Iranian energy targets
• Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar engage Tehran leadership
• Pakistan floated as possible venue for future talks
ISLAMABAD: As the US-Israel war on Iran entered its fourth week, Pakistan has emerged as a key player in a behind-the-scenes diplomatic effort aimed at easing tensions, working alongside Turkey and Egypt.
Officials say the three countries played a significant role in securing a five-day pause in planned US strikes on Iranian energy and power infrastructure — a move announced by Donald Trump, who cited “productive” discussions with Tehran.
While limited in scope, the pause is being viewed as more than routine diplomacy, with sources describing it as a coordinated attempt to prevent further escalation, particularly around critical energy assets.
According to international reports, senior officials from the three countries engaged separately with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, relaying messages between Washington and Tehran. No direct contact between the two adversaries has been confirmed.
Officials familiar with the process said this “strategic coordination” has created an important diplomatic channel, allowing both sides to communicate indirectly at a critical moment.
Pakistan’s role, in particular, has intensified in recent days. Already acting as a go-between, Islamabad has reportedly stepped up efforts as tensions rose over potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Describing the country as a “net regional stabiliser,” sources said Pakistan is leveraging its diplomatic position to shift focus from confrontation toward dialogue.
Diplomatic outreach expands
The backchannel discussions have reportedly gone beyond a temporary pause, touching on broader issues such as de-escalation, maritime security, and a possible framework to end the conflict.
Iran, however, has publicly denied any negotiations with Washington, maintaining that messages were conveyed through “friendly countries” but insisting there are no formal talks underway.
Despite this, US officials believe the indirect exchanges helped create conditions for the temporary halt in strikes, highlighting the importance of quiet diplomacy.
In Islamabad, the developments are being seen as validation of Pakistan’s diplomatic approach.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressed concern over escalating hostilities and stressed the need for unity and dialogue in the Muslim world.
Separately, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Abbas Araghchi, emphasising diplomacy as the path to regional stability.
Reports also suggested that Donald Trump spoke with Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir around the time of the announcement, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Islamabad as potential venue
With diplomatic momentum building, some international outlets have floated Islamabad as a possible venue for future US-Iran talks.
While no official confirmation has been given by any side, Pakistan has indicated its willingness to facilitate dialogue if requested.
Foreign Office representatives reiterated that Islamabad remains committed to promoting peace through engagement, though Iranian officials have described reports about talks in Pakistan as speculative.
A growing diplomatic role
As tensions persist, Pakistan’s involvement — alongside regional partners — highlights an increasing reliance on indirect diplomacy to manage conflict.
Whether these backchannel efforts lead to a broader breakthrough remains uncertain, but for now, they have positioned Islamabad at the centre of a fragile push toward de-escalation.