Pakistan is emerging as a key diplomatic player in efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
Amid a deepening regional crisis, Islamabad is quietly working behind the scenes to broker dialogue and prevent further escalation.
Pakistan is positioning itself as a leading mediator to help end the war involving the US and Israel against Iran, leveraging its strong ties with Tehran and its working relationship with Washington.
The country’s strategic balance has enabled it to present itself as a neutral facilitator at a time when tensions remain high.
Pakistan’s military and political leadership have actively engaged both sides in recent days. Field Marshal Asim Munir held a conversation with US President Donald Trump, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
These engagements coincided with Trump’s announcement to delay potential strikes on Iranian power plants following what he described as “productive” discussions.
Backchannel diplomacy gains momentum
According to reports, senior Pakistani officials have been arranging behind-the-scenes contacts between Iranian officials and key US figures, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
These communications are understood to be in early stages, focusing on messaging rather than formal negotiations. Earlier, Reuters had also reported that talks between Iran and the US were taking place, though details remain unclear.
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Despite reports of diplomatic engagement, Iranian state-affiliated media has denied any negotiations with the United States. A senior Iranian security official told Tasnim News Agency that no talks were underway, reflecting the complex and sensitive nature of the situation.
Broader regional diplomatic efforts
Pakistan is not alone in attempting to de-escalate the crisis. Turkey and Egypt have also been in contact with Iranian officials and US representatives.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, while Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged with counterparts from Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar.
Also Read: Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt step in to mediate US-Iran tensions
As part of its diplomatic push, Pakistan has proposed hosting a summit between senior US and Iranian officials in Islamabad.
Officials believe Pakistan’s position -- having no US military bases and maintaining ties with both sides -- strengthens its credibility as a mediator.
Conflict continues to threaten regional stability
Iran has warned it will respond to any attack on its infrastructure by targeting critical facilities across the region, including energy and water desalination plants.
Meanwhile, Trump had earlier threatened to strike Iranian power plants if shipping routes remained restricted, before suspending the plan for five days.
The ongoing conflict has also disrupted global energy flows, particularly through key waterways that handle a significant share of global oil and gas supplies.
Pakistan’s mediation role is shaped by its geopolitical and economic interests. The country maintains close ties with Gulf states, including a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, and depends heavily on the region for oil and gas imports.
It is also one of the few US allies in the region not targeted by Iranian strikes, reinforcing its position as a neutral intermediary.
