Pakistan Offers to Host US-Iran Talks as PM Sharif Holds Detailed Phone Call with President Pezeshkian
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a lengthy telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, discussing urgent de-escalation efforts amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate peace talks.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif expressed serious concern over the “dangerous ongoing hostilities” in the Gulf region and stressed the need for collective regional efforts to return to dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders also exchanged greetings for Eid ul Fitr and Nowruz, with Pezeshkian thanking Pakistan for its solidarity with Iran.
A senior Pakistani official described the discussion as a “detailed conversation” that lasted several hours, during which Sharif briefed Pezeshkian on Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach, including contacts with the United States.
The call came as Pakistan actively positions itself as a potential mediator. On Tuesday, Sharif publicly stated that Pakistan “stands ready and honoured” to host meaningful and conclusive talks between the US and Iran for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict, subject to agreement by both sides.
“Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in the Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in the region and beyond,” Sharif posted on social media, tagging US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials.
The move follows a phone conversation between Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and President Trump, as well as separate diplomatic contacts by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Multiple reports indicate Pakistan has been relaying messages between Washington and Tehran, leveraging its relations with both countries and its geographic proximity to Iran.
Iranian state media reported that Pezeshkian reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to regional cooperation while cautioning against the use of neighboring territories for attacks on Iran.
Analysts view Pakistan’s initiative as an attempt to play a constructive diplomatic role at a time when the conflict has disrupted global energy markets and raised fears of wider regional instability. However, no confirmed date or format for potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad has been announced, and both sides continue to emphasize their respective positions.
Pakistan’s offer has drawn attention amid speculation that backchannel efforts involving Islamabad, along with other nations like Oman, Turkey, and Egypt, could help create an off-ramp from the current hostilities.
