Pakistan Hosts Talks Between Saudi Arabia, Egypt & Türkiye on Middle East Conflict
- Islamabad, Pakistan – Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye concluded talks in Islamabad on Sunday, March 29, 2026, focused on de-escalating the ongoing conflict between...
- The discussions, which continued on Monday, come as the US-Israel war with Iran enters its second month.
- Pakistan’s efforts to mediate are occurring against a backdrop of growing regional instability and a delicate balancing act for Islamabad itself.
Islamabad, Pakistan – Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye concluded talks in Islamabad on , focused on de-escalating the ongoing conflict between the United States, and Iran. The meeting, hosted by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, underscores Islamabad’s increasingly prominent role as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, a position complicated by Pakistan’s own security commitments in the region.
The discussions, which continued on , come as the US-Israel war with Iran enters its second month. While Iran was not directly represented at the talks, Pakistan has reportedly been relaying messages between the two sides, including a 15-point peace proposal from the US, according to an anonymous source cited by Iranian news agency Tasnim. The willingness of Iran to deliver a response to the US via Pakistan signals a degree of trust in Islamabad’s neutrality, despite existing regional alliances.
Pakistan’s Balancing Act
Pakistan’s efforts to mediate are occurring against a backdrop of growing regional instability and a delicate balancing act for Islamabad itself. The country recently signed a mutual defense treaty with Saudi Arabia, a pact that is now viewed by Pakistani officials as a potential liability. Recent Iranian strikes on Saudi territory have heightened concerns that Pakistan could be drawn into a wider conflict, forcing it to honor its commitments to Riyadh. According to reports, Pakistani officials are increasingly concerned that the Saudi pact is “becoming a problem,” particularly as its deterrent effect has not translated into expected economic benefits.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s detailed, hour-long telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on further illustrates Pakistan’s proactive engagement. Pezeshkian reportedly thanked Islamabad for its “mediation efforts to stop the aggression,” indicating Iran’s appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach. This engagement is particularly noteworthy given the strained relationship between Iran and the United States, and the lack of direct communication between the two countries.
Adding a tangible sign of de-escalation, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Dar announced late on that Iran had authorized the passage of 20 additional Pakistani-flagged vessels – two ships daily – through the Strait of Hormuz. This move, framed by Dar as a “confidence-building measure,” suggests a willingness from Tehran to ease tensions and facilitate regional trade. He tagged several US officials on X, signaling a desire to broaden the dialogue and encourage further diplomatic efforts.
A Key Interlocutor
Pakistan’s emergence as a key facilitator stems from its longstanding relationships with both Iran and the Gulf states, as well as close ties with the United States. The country’s leadership, including Prime Minister Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, have cultivated a personal rapport with US President Donald Trump, providing a channel for direct communication. This unique position allows Pakistan to act as a bridge between conflicting parties, conveying messages and exploring potential avenues for negotiation.
The meetings in Islamabad also involved bilateral discussions between the visiting foreign ministers and their Pakistani counterpart. Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan and Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty also met with Pakistan’s army chief, highlighting the importance of military-to-military engagement in addressing regional security concerns. The presence of these key regional players underscores the gravity of the situation and the collective desire to prevent further escalation.
While the outcome of the talks remains uncertain, the convening of these discussions represents a crucial step towards de-escalation. Observers will be watching closely for further diplomatic initiatives and whether Pakistan can successfully leverage its position to facilitate direct negotiations between the United States and Iran. The coming days will be critical in determining whether these efforts can translate into a lasting resolution to the conflict and prevent a wider regional war.