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US-Iran Tensions: Pakistan and Qatar Reinforce Commitment to Dialogue and Regional De-Escalation
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Qatar's Minister of State Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi discussed the fluid regional situation and ongoing mediation efforts amid heightened US-Iran tensions. Both sides underscored the critical importance of dialogue, with Qatar praising Pakistan's constructive diplomatic role in facilitating fresh, direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran to sustain regional peace
ND
by News Desk
2026-05-18
US-Iran Tensions: Pakistan and Qatar Reinforce Commitment to Dialogue and Regional De-Escalation

Detailed Report

  • High-Level Pakistan-Qatar Contacts: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a crucial phone conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the two leaders evaluated the rapidly shifting regional security landscape and emphasized that diplomatic dialogue remains the only viable path to resolve current crises. Minister Al-Khulaifi highly commended Islamabad's active diplomatic maneuvers, while Dar reiterated Pakistan's unyielding commitment to regional peace and stability.

  • Sustained Leadership Engagement: This contact is part of an ongoing, intensive diplomatic channel between Islamabad and Doha. Just a day prior, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif phoned Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to express gratitude for Doha's backing of Pakistan's mediation efforts. This marked the third direct conversation between the two prime ministers in less than two weeks (with previous calls on May 7 and May 10), reflecting the urgency of the regional situation.

  • Saudi Arabia Brought Into the Loop: Expanding its diplomatic outreach, DPM Ishaq Dar also hosted Saudi Arabian Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy in Islamabad. Their discussions centered on fraternal bilateral ties and broader regional developments, with the Saudi envoy praising Pakistan's continuous contributions toward maintaining regional equilibrium.

  • The Broader Geopolitical Context: These high-stakes diplomatic rounds come in the wake of the joint US-Israeli military offensive against Iran launched on February 28, which triggered retaliatory strikes from Tehran across the region. Stepping into the fray as a central mediator, Pakistan successfully brokered an initial two-week ceasefire and hosted historic, high-level direct talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad. While a permanent deal has yet to be finalized, the ceasefire has successfully held and been extended due to Pakistan's intervention. Islamabad remains highly optimistic as it quietly lays the groundwork to host a second and final round of decisive peace talks between the US and Iran.
Tagged:

#USIranTensions #PakistanDiplomacy #IshaqDar #QatarPakistan #RegionalPeace #DeEscalation #MiddleEastCrisis #ForeignPolicy #BreakingNewsPakistan
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