Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered his country as a neutral venue to host peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
In a post on X, Sharif stated that 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.” He added: “Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions following Iranian missile and drone strikes on Israeli targets and several Gulf states late Monday. The attacks occurred just hours after US President Donald Trump indicated that negotiations were underway and suggested a temporary pause in certain military actions, including a reported five-day delay on strikes against Iranian power infrastructure.
Trump reshared Sharif’s X post on his Truth Social platform, signaling appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic overture. Reports indicate that Pakistan has been actively engaging with both sides, including a recent conversation between Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasizing the need for de-escalation and dialogue. Pakistani officials have also expressed willingness to host direct talks in Islamabad if the parties agree.
This move positions Pakistan — which maintains relations with both Washington and Tehran — as a potential mediator in the crisis. Other regional players, including Türkiye and Egypt, have similarly signaled interest in brokering talks, though analysts caution that significant gaps remain between the US and Iranian positions.
Iran has publicly rejected claims of active negotiations, with officials describing reports of impending deals as “fake news.” Tehran has continued its military responses, targeting Israeli cities and US-linked sites in Gulf countries, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan’s offer reflects Islamabad’s broader interest in regional stability, especially given the conflict’s impact on energy markets, global oil supplies, and the risk of wider escalation involving the Strait of Hormuz.
As the situation develops, international observers will be watching whether Sharif’s proposal gains traction or if the cycle of strikes and retaliations continues.
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