Pakistan relaying messages in US-Iran indirect peace talks, says foreign minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that US-Iran "indirect talks" were taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan.

"There has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks to end ongoing conflict in the Middle East," he said in a post on the social media platform X.

"In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan. In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being deliberated upon by Iran," he said and added that brotherly countries of Turkey and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative.

Dar's comments are the first on-the-record confirmation from Islamabad that Pakistan is playing a facilitating role.

Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond,” Dar said, adding that dialogue and diplomacy were the only way forward.

He also tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy of US President Donald Trump, in the post.

Meanwhile, Dar has spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the latest regional developments. He underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts for de-escalation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and regional stability. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the Middle East situation. Senior leaders were also present in the session.

PM Shahbaz and Dar have both been in regular contact with senior Iranian government officials, as well as their Gulf allies, notably Saudi Arabia.

The powerful head of the Pakistan army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has equally been involved in the diplomatic efforts, and spoke to US President Donald Trump last Sunday, officials said.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied any "negotiations" with the administration in Washington but conceded that messages were being exchanged through "friendly countries."

"At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance," he said on state television late on Wednesday. "We do not intend to negotiate — so far, no negotiations have taken place."

Pakistan may encounter obstacles and challenges in its diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East but remains committed to achieving peace, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said on Thursday.

Addressing a weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Andrabi said Pakistan was actively playing its role for regional peace and remained in contact with countries across the region to support de-escalation efforts.

The spokesperson added that Islamabad and Ankara were both engaged on key regional developments. He noted that PM Shahbaz Sharif had been reaching out to world leaders as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement.

In this context, the prime minister recently held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and also discussed the regional situation in detail with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

During his conversation with the Saudi crown prince, the prime minister condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia and appreciated the kingdom's restraint.