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PM Shehbaz Offers Pakistan as Venue for US-Iran Peace Talks Amid Middle East Conflict
Pakistan stands “ready and honoured” to host US-Iran talks for peace in the Middle East, PM Shehbaz says. Backchannel diplomacy with Turkiye and Egypt has already helped pause strikes on Iranian energy targets.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-24
PM Shehbaz Offers Pakistan as Venue for US-Iran Peace Talks Amid Middle East Conflict

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday confirmed that Pakistan is “ready and honoured” to host meaningful and conclusive talks between the United States and Iran, as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues into its fourth week.

In a post on X, PM Shehbaz stated that Pakistan fully supports dialogue aimed at ending hostilities and ensuring peace and stability in the region. He tagged Donald Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, emphasizing Pakistan’s willingness to facilitate talks if both parties concur.

The Foreign Office urged media restraint, asking journalists to avoid speculation until official announcements are made. FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to resolving regional conflicts through diplomacy and engagement.

Reports from international outlets such as Reuters and Axios suggested that Islamabad could serve as a venue for potential direct talks between US and Iranian representatives. The conflict, which escalated after US and Israeli attacks on Iran beginning February 28, also led to the assassination of Iran’s then-supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Pakistan, alongside Turkiye and Egypt, reportedly played a key role in backchannel diplomacy, helping secure a five-day pause of US strikes on Iranian energy and power infrastructure. The pause was publicly announced by Trump, who cited productive indirect conversations with Tehran.

While the pause is limited to Iranian power plants and major energy assets, ongoing negotiations through back channels have focused on de-escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and broader conflict resolution parameters. Iranian officials have denied direct or indirect negotiations with the US, emphasizing that any settlement must guarantee against future attacks, provide reparations, and establish a regional framework.

PM Shehbaz also held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging urgent de-escalation and stressing the importance of unity in the Muslim Ummah. The PMO confirmed that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in facilitating regional peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

A source told Dawn that “through active back-channel diplomacy involving Steve Witkoff and Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Egypt are demonstrating that quiet communication is often the most direct path to global peace.”

This development positions Pakistan at the center of efforts to mediate between the US and Iran, highlighting Islamabad’s diplomatic influence in a highly volatile region.
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