ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday expressed hope that Pakistan’s mediation efforts would lead to an early resolution of the US-Iran conflict, describing peace as essential for both the region and the wider world.
Addressing foreign ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, he said the ongoing tensions had already significantly impacted the global economy. He emphasised that bringing an end to the Middle East conflict remained Pakistan’s central “goal and aim” in its role as a facilitator and mediator.
Dar stated that Islamabad was actively engaging both the United States and Iran to encourage a peaceful settlement, reiterating that Pakistan has consistently advocated for stability and restraint in the region.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, he noted that he had been in contact with around 120 counterparts worldwide since the conflict began. These interactions, he said, demonstrated Pakistan’s seriousness in pushing both sides toward a truce and an end to hostilities.
Pakistan emerged as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran after tensions escalated on February 28, following US-Israel strikes on Iran. After six weeks of fighting, Pakistan successfully brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8 and later facilitated direct talks between the two sides in Islamabad.
Referring to the Islamabad Talks held on April 10 and 11, Dar said negotiations had reached an “advanced level” and expressed optimism that they would conclude successfully in the near future.
He reiterated that Pakistan had remained continuously engaged with both countries to secure a lasting truce since brokering the ceasefire, adding that Islamabad had succeeded in bringing the US and Iran to direct negotiations for the first time in 47 years.
Dar also noted that Pakistan’s mediation efforts had received international recognition and that the country remained in close contact with global stakeholders as part of its broader responsibility to promote peace.
He said the entire consultative process was focused on ending the Middle East conflict, with Pakistan continuing to act as a bridge between the two sides. The ultimate objective, he stressed, was a dignified and mutually beneficial resolution. “The objective is common… that this conflict ends in a dignified manner. It should be a win-win,” he said.
However, Dar declined to share specific details of the mediation process, citing the sensitive nature of the situation.
His remarks came shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that talks with the US were progressing with Pakistan’s “gracious effort,” while reiterating that there was no military solution to the crisis.
The statement followed renewed confrontations between Washington and Tehran in the Gulf on Monday, as both sides sought control over the Strait of Hormuz through competing maritime blockades.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump initiated fresh efforts to ensure the passage of stranded tankers and commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, prompting Iran to warn of a forceful response to any escalation, including potential attacks on neighbouring countries hosting US military bases.