THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Why Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between US and Iran As fears of a wider regional conflict escalate following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began in late February, Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator, offering to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. Islamabad isn't often called on to act as an intermediary in high-stakes diplomacy, but it's stepped into the role this time for a number of reasons, both because it has relatively good ties with both Washington and Tehran and because it has a lot at stake in seeing the war resolved. Pakistani government officials have said that their public peace effort follows weeks of quiet diplomacy, though they have provided few details. They have also said that Islamabad stands ready to host talks between representatives from the U.S. and Iran. Here's what to know about Pakistan's mediation effort: Pakistan helped US deliver 15-point plan to Iran Pakistan’s role in Iran-U.S. negotiations surfaced only days ago following media reports. Officials in Islamabad later acknowledged that a U.S. proposal had been conveyed to Iran. It remains unclear who has served as Iran’s point of contact in the indirect t…

Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia emerge as a new regional power ... Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty and Pakistan’s deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, attend a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, on March 29. Pakistan Foreign Office / EPA Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, announced that a two-week ceasefire had been agreed between the US and Iran in the early hours of April 8. Delegates from both sides are expected to attend further talks in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad on Friday. This comes less than two weeks after Pakistan hosted talks with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey in which the four countries called for an end to hostilities in the Gulf. The meeting established the quartet as the primary negotiating channel between Tehran and Washington, and may signal the beginning of a new regional order designed to curb Israeli and Iranian dominance after the war. Even before the war began in late February, Israel and Iran were both isolated in the region. There is no chance of any rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which was the original goal of the 2020 Abraham…

Pakistan quietly begins mediating between Libya's rival factions 6 July 2026 Facebook X Telegram WhatsApp Linkedin Email Copy URL International Pakistan quietly begins mediating between Libya’s rival factions, reports Reuters From TT Staff Reporter Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya's rival eastern and western power centres, two Pakistani sources told Reuters. The US is fully aware and involved. A proposed Libya Reunification Plan would establish a 36-month power-sharing arrangement. Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir meets with Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, during official visit to Libya. — FILE Facebook X Telegram WhatsApp Linkedin Email Copy URL Facebook X Telegram WhatsApp Linkedin Email Copy URL Listen to article ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya’s rival eastern and western power centres, two Pakistani sources told Reuters, in a previously unreported diplomatic effort that comes directly after Islamabad’s central role in brokering the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding ending the US-Iran war. One of the Pakistani sources said the United State…

Pakistan-hosted quadrilateral meeting discusses ways to bring ... Published March 29, 2026 The quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt called for an immediate and permanent end to the ongoing war in the Middle East, said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday. In a televised address following the quadrilateral moot in Islamabad, DPM Dar said Pakistan hosted the meeting in the federal capital to discuss a range of issues, including efforts to ease rising regional tensions amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. The meeting, attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, comes as Islamabad steps up efforts to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. During the meeting, the participants of the meeting agreed that war served no one’s interests and discussed ways to bring "an early and permanent end" to the conflict, DPM Dar said. The foreign ministers stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path forward, he added. DPM Dar said that the discussions focused on de-escalation and regional stability. Dar said the vi…

Why Iran Delegation Switched Planes, Took Train After US Talks Failed What was meant to be a cautious diplomatic engagement in Pakistan appears to have ended under a cloud of suspicion and perceived risk. Iran’s senior leadership delegation, led by Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reportedly encountered security concerns even before the negotiations in Islamabad concluded. According to Mohammad Marandi, who was part of the delegation, warnings were received by the Iranian delegation suggesting that their aircraft could be targeted during transit. The claim, shared with regional media, points to the fragile and volatile security environment surrounding the talks. Breaking It Down What are the implications of Iran's ballistic missile capabilities? How did the recent conflict impact civilian areas in Iran? What was the role of Pakistan in the US-Iran talks? Created with AI. Errors are possible Marandi described the situation as serious enough to force immediate contingency decisions, indicating that the delegation chose not to rely on a conventional return route after the negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough. A Quiet Diversion, A Long Journey Home In what appears…

Pakistan successfully brokered peace between the US and Iran. Can it now reap the dividend? <p>Earlier this week, the US and Iran finally <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2007972/us-iran-reach-preliminary-agreement-to-end-war-signing-set-for-friday">reached an agreement </a>to stop the war. Pakistan, which played a central role in said agreement has been acknowledged and praised by the international community. But is this where it ends for the country? Or can the Shehbaz-led government convert the diplomatic visibility and influence into that rare opening that actually guarantees dividends?</p> <p>Before we answer that question, however, it is important to acknowledge that the agreement, brokered after weeks of intense diplomacy between the United States and Iran, is <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2007936/us-iran-deal-seems-more-of-a-stopgap-measure">not a peace treaty. </a>It is an interim framework that has merely paused a dangerous confrontation and created a 60-day negotiating window during which the most difficult questions, including sanctions relief, nuclear restrictions, and regional security arrangements, will have to be addressed.</p> <p>The fragility of the arrang…

Pakistan urges all parties to exercise restraint as US, Iran exchange ... Pakistan Pakistan urges all parties to exercise restraint as US, Iran exchange strikes Says Pakistan remains ready to continue to play its mediatory role Published July 8, 2026 Updated July 8, 2026 10:17pm Save Saved 1 min Summary new comment Comments AI Overview (with editorial review) Brief AI Generated summary Pakistan expressed deep concern over escalating regional tensions, urging all parties to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue, and uphold commitments for peace and stability. Read the full article for: Pakistan's call for regional restraint and dialogue. Upholding commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan's readiness to support regional peace. By BR Web Desk Add BRecorder as a trusted source on Google Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the region, urging all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy. “Pakistan expresses its deep concern at the escalation in tensions in the region. A renewed conflict is in no one’s interest,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a sta…

‘Mediation for sake of regional stability, not narrow interests’ <p>ISLAMABAD: The motives behind recent mediation efforts by Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership were aimed at securing regional stability and peace among Muslim countries, rather than pursing narrower interests, a senior security official said.</p> <p>The remarks came at a background briefing for selected journalists, held on Tuesday. There, the official addressed a wide range of issues, including Pakistan’s role in securing peace between the US and Iran and issues arising out of India’s tampering with the Indus basin.</p> <p>The security official said that through consultation with key stakeholders, Pakistan — and Field Marshal Asim Munir in particular — had helped avert a major war that he said had been planned with serious consequences for the region.</p> <p>FM Munir’s “sincerity, competence, brilliance and Allah’s blessings” was credited for what the official called a war “won… without actually being fought”, and described this as “the pinnacle of strategy”.</p> <p>The official said the diplomatic process required “utmost confidentiality, responsibility and caution,” and that Pakistan, as a “responsible …

Rethinking India: A U.S. Partner, Balancer, or Free Agent? As the U.S.-Israel conflict against Iran continues, Pakistan has taken on acentral rolein efforts to reduce tensions. It delivered to Tehran the 15-point U.S. plan to end the conflict – which Tehran rejected – and also conveyed Iran’s10-point counterproposalback to Washington. It offered to host talks between Iran and the U.S. On March 29, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Darmetwith diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye in Islamabad to discuss possible strategies to resolve the regional war. On March 31, Dartraveledto Beijing to meet with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a diplomatic push to de-escalate the war. They released a five-point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire, renewed dialogue, protection of civilians, restoration of transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and a greater role for the United Nations. These efforts contributed to a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran after weeks of fighting. While Pakistan steps into a diplomatic leadership role, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam  Jaishankar said, “India cannot be a broker nation,” a clear articulation of Ne…

How Pakistan Brokered The U.S.-Iran Ceasefire - Forbes Business Energy How Pakistan Turned Rare Access Into Diplomatic Currency In The U.S.-Iran Deal By Güney Yıldız , Contributor. Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I focus on the nexus of AI adoption, energy, and geopolitics. Follow Author Jun 16, 2026, 01:58pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Pakistan recently played a pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire between the US and Iran, effectively de-escalating the Strait of Hormuz crisis. For decades, Islamabad has quietly served as an essential communication conduit between the two estranged nations. This spring, under Prime Minister Sharif and Army Chief Munir, Pakistan's "switchboard" diplomacy facilitated critical high-level talks, leading to a framework agreement that saw global oil prices stabilize. This success has significantly elevated Pakistan's international standing, shifting its perception from a regional destabilizer to a vital, trusted facilitator. Its unique strategic position, sharing a border with Iran while maintaining US ties w…

Pakistani delegation meets Iran on U.S. talks - Spectrum News Pakistani delegation arrives in Tehran in move to ease tensions and arrange more U.S.-Iran talks BY Associated Press Middle East UPDATED 4:45 PM ET Apr. 15, 2026 PUBLISHED 7:12 AM ET Apr. 15, 2026 PUBLISHED 7:12 AM EDT Apr. 15, 2026 SHARE CAIRO — Pakistan's army chief arrived Wednesday for talks in Tehran in the latest diplomatic move to ease tensions in the Middle East and arrange a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran after almost seven weeks of war. What You Need To Know Pakistan's army chief has arrived for talks in Tehran in the latest diplomatic move to ease tensions in the region and arrange a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, according to the Pakistani military, which said Wednesday that the delegation included the country's interior minister and other senior security officials The military said the visit was "part of the ongoing mediation efforts," but gave no further details Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the conflict Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the U.S. will ramp up its infliction of economic pain on Iran The…

Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between US and Iran Get Alerts ISLAMABAD   -  Behind the scene diplomatic developments suggest that Pakistan is increasingly positioning itself as an important diplomatic intermediary in international crises, particularly in efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. Recent Statements attributed to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, indicate recognition within American policy circles of Pakistan’s role in facilitating communication between the two sides. According to reports, Pakistan has served as a conduit for diplomatic messaging between Iran and the United States, including the transmission of a proposed 15-point action framework aimed at laying the groundwork for a possible peace arrangement. This reflects a form of quiet shuttle diplomacy, where a trusted third country helps bridge communication gaps between adversaries who may not be directly negotiating. Balanced Relations: Islamabad maintains working diplomatic ties with both Washington and Tehran, allowing it to communicate with each side without being viewed as hostile. Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asi…

Pakistan’s moment <p>THOUGH uncertainty may surround the fate of the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2008730/pm-says-us-iran-have-signed-deal-electronically-iran-to-instantly-reopen-hormuz-us-to-immediately-lift-blockade">US-Iran MoU</a>, throughout this episode — from the start of the war on Feb 28 to the electronic signing of the document this week — Pakistan has played a crucial role in securing a diplomatic off-ramp. Other states, such as Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye etc. have also played a significant part, but it is Pakistan that has secured top billing in this geopolitical drama.</p> <p>This country’s efforts, both public and those behind closed doors, have helped prevent the war from metastasising into an even more brutal conflict. Nations across the world have <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2008993">appreciated </a>Islamabad’s proactive diplomacy. The US president has often expressed his fondness for this country’s political and military leadership, while the Iranian president has warmly recognised Pakistan’s role in securing the MoU.</p> <p>The fact is that despite its limitations, Pakistan has been punching above its weight for decades, bringing together disparate power…

Pakistan Mediating Libya Unity with US-led Push Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya's rival eastern and western power centers, two Pakistani sources said, in a previously unreported Pakistani effort that would further raise its diplomatic profile if it succeeds. The Pakistani involvement comes after observers have for months monitored a US-led push to find a diplomatic solution in Libya, which has been split between rival eastern and western administrations since a civil war that broke out in the years after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Pakistan has been central to separate mediation between the US and Iran this year, with its role repeatedly being credited by the Trump administration, and one of the Pakistani sources said the US was "fully aware and involved" in Islamabad's Libya role. The effort was also being supported by Saudi Arabia, both sources said. Both Pakistani sources said the efforts began late last year and both Libyan ‌sides ⁠requested its involvement. ⁠It was unclear to what extent Pakistan has been coordinating its efforts with other regional stakeholders. UNITY PLAN Any successful plan to reunify Libya would need to balanc…

Why Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between US and Iran Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator in the Iran war, offering to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. (Produced by Elaine Carroll) President Donald Trump, left, listens as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during a summit to support ending the more than two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough ceasefire deal, on Oct. 13, 2025, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) In this photo released by Pakistan Prime Minister Office, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, left, and Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi meet during an inauguration of the Mand-Pishin border in Pishin, border of Pakistan-Iran, on May 18, 2023. (Pakistan Prime Minister Office via AP, File) Paramilitary soldiers take positions at the U.S. Consulate after protesters stormed the building in Karachi, Pakistan, on March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Ali Raza, File) In this photo released by the Inter Services Public Relations, newly elevated Field Marshal General Asim Munir prays after laying wreath on the Martyrs monument during a special guard of honor ceremony at General Headquarters, in Rawa…

Taliban Fear U.S. Backing of Pakistan - Hasht-e Subh - 8am.media miniatureflagshop With the outbreak of war between Pakistan and the Taliban, the story of the United States support for Islamabad has resurfaced. Taliban officials have repeatedly acknowledged Washington’s backing of Islamabad in its attacks on Afghanistan. Recently, Mohammad Aman Mansour, the Taliban governor of Helmand, referred to U.S. support for Pakistan during a public gathering. More importantly, Mansour admitted that U.S. support for Islamabad has put the survival of the Taliban regime into question. Earlier, Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban’s defense minister, claimed that Pakistan’s attacks are coordinated with the United States, aiming to destroy the U.S. military equipment remaining in Afghanistan. Taliban officials emphasize U.S. support for Pakistan to show the public that their regime is not only confronting Islamabad but is also facing a country as large as the United States. The reality is that without U.S. or other major powers’ support, Pakistan would not have been bold enough to repeatedly target Afghan cities with airstrikes (the reasons for U.S. support of Pakistan against the Taliban are …

The Crucial Bridge: Pakistan's Mediatory Role in the US-Iran Articles April 9, 2026 Diplomats World By : Muhammad Sajjad Haider The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia is currently witnessing one of its most turbulent periods in recent history. The unprecedented military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began in late February 2026, has sent shockwaves across the globe. As the conflict escalated, threatening not only regional stability but also global energy security, a familiar diplomatic actor stepped onto the stage: Pakistan. With a historic track record of backchannel diplomacy and unique ties to both Washington and Tehran, Pakistan has emerged as a crucial intermediary, striving to broker a fragile peace in a deeply fractured region. The Escalation of the 2026 Conflict The current crisis, often referred to as the 2026 Iran War, began on February 28, 2026, when US and Israeli forces launched a massive joint strike campaign against Iranian military infrastructure, air defences, and missile sites. The stated objective was to severely degrade Iran’s military capabilities and its nuclear programme. The conflict quickly spiralled,…

Situationer: How US-Iran peace can help steady Pakistan’s ship <p>MINUS the nuts and bolts, it appears as if the US and Iran have reached an <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2008018">agre­ement </a>to end the Mideast war that has proven ruinous for the world’s economy. For now, Pakistan’s slow slide back into macroeconomic decline appears halted, with the new budget offering a glimmer of hope amid renewed geopolitical stability.</p> <p>That is not to say that the conflict has not wrea­ked havoc. According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook for April 2026, global growth is projected to slow to 3.1 per cent in 2026 and 3.2pc in 2027. Finance Minister Muha­mmad Aurangzeb <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2007230">said </a>last week that the country is heading towards a 4pc growth rate, revised down from an earlier projection to 3.7pc.</p> <p>So how will peace change the status quo, and what happens if the course is reversed?</p> <p>“Do you know how to ride a bicycle?” economist Kaiser Bengali asks, wryly.</p> <p>If the deal breaks down and strikes resume, not only would the Strait of Hormuz be blocked, but the Red Sea route may be as well — the port through which Saudi Arabia has…

Pakistan Leads Push for Middle East Peace, Offers to Host US-Iran Talks ... Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt support Islamabad’s push for dialogue amid rising tensions Dubai: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained diplomacy and dialogue as the only workable solution to the ongoingMiddle East conflict, positioning itself at the centre of renewed international efforts to end the war through negotiations. The pledge came after a high-level quadrilateral meeting on Sunday in Islamabad, where the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt collectively called for an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, warning that continued fighting would only deepen regional instability and human suffering. In his address on the national television after the meeting, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the participating countries were unanimous in their view that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable pathway” to resolving the crisis, which has entered a dangerous phase involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Dar stressed that Pakistan would continue engaging all relevant stakeholders with “sincerity and co…

Pakistan taking on mantle of mediation for war-torn Libya <p>ISLAMABAD: Pakis­tan has quietly begun mediating between Libya’s rival eastern and western power centres, a previously-unreported effort that would further raise Islamabad’s diplomatic profile if it succeeds.</p> <p>The Pakistani involvement comes after observers monitored for months a US-led push to find a diplomatic solution in Libya, which has been split between rival eastern and western administrations since a civil war that broke out in the years after the 2011 Nato-backed uprising <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/651223/libyan-rebels-on-offensive-6-months-into-uprising">toppled </a>Muammar Qadhafi.</p> <p>The move comes on the heels of a separate<a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2009462"> mediation </a>between the US and Iran this year, where Pakistan has played a central role, and has been repeatedly praised by the Trump administration for its involvement.</p> <p><em>Reuters</em> cited Pakistani sources as saying that the US was “fully aware and involved” in Islamabad’s Libya role.</p> <blockquote class="blockquote-level-1"> <p>Insiders claim US is ‘fully aware and involved’ in Islamabad’s role</p> </blockquote…

Pakistan mediating Libya unity push as rival camps seek deal, sources ... https://arab.news/maftz ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya’s rival eastern and western power centers, two Pakistani sources said, in a previously unreported Pakistani effort that would further ​raise its diplomatic profile if it succeeds. The Pakistani involvement comes after observers have for months monitored a US-led push to find a diplomatic solution in Libya, which has been split between rival eastern and western administrations since a civil war that broke out in the years after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled Muammar Qaddafi. Pakistan has been central to separate mediation between the US and Iran this year, with its role repeatedly being credited by the Trump administration, and one of the Pakistani sources said the US was “fully aware and involved” in Islamabad’s Libya role. The effort was also being supported by Saudi Arabia, both sources said. Last year, Islamabad struck a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, which has ‌long sought influence in ‌Libya, too. Both Pakistani sources said the efforts began late last year and both ​Libyan ‌sides ⁠requested its ​in…

Now for the country, please <p>PAKISTAN has earned international appreciation and respect for its role in mediating between the US and Iran and helping them achieve a <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810">ceasefire </a>and a<a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2008730"> memorandum of understanding</a> that aims to pave the way for a lasting settlement. This kind of mediatory role finds no precedent in Pakistan’s diplomatic history. It has raised Pakistan’s global standing and boosted its international image.</p> <p>The diplomatic achievement has sparked discussion in the country about the economic benefits Pakistan might gain. Certainly, economic opportunities that could open from these developments merit serious thinking and exploring. Also, if the war had not come to a negotiated end there would have been enormous pressure on Pakistan’s fragile economy from higher oil prices, disruption in energy supplies and uncertain remittances. This could have derailed its economic stabilisation efforts.</p> <figure class='media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.dawn.com/news/2009462'> <div class='media__item media__i…

Pakistan Mediates Between Libya's Rival Administrations with Global Support ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan has initiated mediation efforts between Libya’s rival administrations. The endeavor, which has garnered support from the United States and Saudi Arabia, aims to stabilize the fractured North African nation. This is a developing story that could reshape Libya’s political landscape. Pakistan’s proposed plan includes establishing a 36-month transitional government. The Government of National Consensus would see a new Presidential Council with a blend of leadership from both Libyan factions. Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah of the Government of National Unity (GNU) would maintain his position under the plan. Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), would assume the role of chairing the Presidential Council. This arrangement also designates Khalifa Haftar, LNA commander, as overseer of Libya’s budget and oil revenues. The move demonstrates Pakistan’s ascending role in international conflict mediation. Previously, Pakistan has played pivotal roles in dialogues between the U.S. and Iran. The support from major players like the United…

Former Israeli PM Warns of Nuclear-Armed Pakistan Alliance With Turkey ... ISLAMABAD: Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has ignited fresh geopolitical tensions by labeling Turkey as the “new Iran,” accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of encircling Israel and forging a hostile Sunni bloc that includes nuclear-armed Pakistan, according to reports from his February 17, 2026, address at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem. Bennett’s remarks underscore Israel’s growing concerns over shifting alliances in the Middle East, where Turkey and Qatar are allegedly collaborating to sway Saudi Arabia against Israel and establish a Muslim Brotherhood-aligned axis reminiscent of Iran’s influence. He explicitly mentioned Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities as a critical element in this potential bloc, warning that such a development could escalate threats to Israel’s security. This statement marks a rare direct reference to Pakistan in Israeli discourse on regional threats, amplifying fears of broader nuclear proliferation risks. Historical context reveals longstanding Israeli apprehensions toward Pakistan’s nuclear program, which began in t…

How Pakistan became the Iran war's indispensable mediator When Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir addressed Pakistan’s parliamentary security committee in March 2025, he asked a question that had been hanging over the country for years. “How long will we continue to sacrifice countless lives in the style of a soft state?” The question was rhetorical. This week, it got an answer he could not have scripted. In the span of 72 hours this week, Munir held a direct phone call with Donald Trump, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan pitched its own capital as the venue for what could become the most consequential diplomatic encounter of the decade. A meeting between senior American and Iranian officials — Vice President JD Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff on one side, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf on the other — is being reported, with Islamabad as the proposed stage. For a country that was exchanging fire with India less than a year ago and is currently running military operations on its western border against Afghanistan, this is a remarkable act of positioning. Not since Pervez Musharraf’s overnight pivot after S…

Pakistan Steps Forward As Future 'Host' In Iran Diplomacy Share Share Pakistan has offered to host talks aimed at bringing the Iran conflict to an end, highlighting the country's strengthened ties in both the Middle East and with Washington. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a social mediaposton March 24 that his country "stands ready and honored to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.” Pakistan has been one of several countries -- along with Turkey and Egypt -- reportedly playing a role as an intermediary in trying to end fighting that started with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28. Some media outlets have reported Islamabad as a possible location for talks between Tehran and Washington -- perhaps as early as this week. It’s not clear when or if these will go ahead, but as a neighbor of Iran that gets much of its oil from the Persian Gulf, Pakistan has been acutely affected by the conflict and has a strong interest in seeing it end. “Pakistan has stepped up its efforts to mediate a cease-fire,” a senior military source in the country told RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal. “The …

After US-Iran Deal, Pakistan Turns Peacemaker For Fractured Libya: Report https://www.europesays.com/africa/321665/ Islamabad: After mediating an interim ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran, Pakistan has reportedly turned to…

Pakistan quietly mediating Libya reunification talks, seeks bigger ... Pakistan has quietly begun mediating between Libya's rival eastern and western power centres in an effort that could significantly raise Islamabad's diplomatic profile if successful, according to a Reuters report citing two Pakistani sources familiar with the matter. The mediation comes as international efforts to end Libya's long-running political divide gather pace. The North African nation has remained split between rival administrations in the east and west since the civil war that followed the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. According to the Reuters report, the United States is "fully aware and involved" in Pakistan's role, while Saudi Arabia is also backing the initiative. Qatar and Turkey have similarly encouraged Islamabad to take on a mediation role, the Pakistani sources said. Pakistan's foreign ministry, military media wing, Libyan officials, and the foreign ministries of the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Reuters reported that a summary of a proposed "Libya Reunification Plan" outlines a 36…

Pakistan's Rising Role: Key Mediator in US-Iran Conflict Amid ... Backchannel diplomacy and delayed strikes highlight Pakistan’s rising mediation role Dubai: As theUS-Israel war on Iranenters its fourth week, Pakistan is rapidly positioning itself as a central diplomatic player, with officials and international reports pointing to Islamabad’s growing role as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran in efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict. A coordinated push involving Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt has already yielded early results, with US President Donald Trump announcing a limited, five-day pause in planned strikes on Iran’s energy and power infrastructure. While fighting continues on multiple fronts, the delay is being seen as the first tangible outcome of intensified backchannel diplomacy. Diplomatic activity has accelerated behind the scenes as the conflict risks spiralling into a broader regional war, particularly around critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan has emerged as one of a small group of countries relaying messages between the United States and Iran, at a time when direct engagement remains politically constrained for both sides. Se…

'Fingers crossed': Pakistan emerges as flagbearer of peace between US ... Published April 11, 2026 Islamabad is all decked up for one of the most significant moments in its history. At present, Pakistan’s capital city, is at the centre of global geopolitics owing to its role in ending what was predicted to be a potential third World War, one that many feared could be a reason for death and destruction in Iran and the broader Middle Eastern region. Pakistan, after displaying its restraint and deliberation with regards to the intensifying conflict in the region, triggered by the United States and Israel’s war against Iran — particularly impacting its immediate neighbour Iran as well as brotherly nations in the Gulf — emerged as an underdog when its role as a direct mediator between the US and Iran came to the surface, especially in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s warning to end “a whole civilisation” when referring to his plans on Iran, as Tehran continued the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial economic waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. To say that the Government of Pakistan, alongside the nation, are ecstatic to be hosting the historic Islam…

Pakistan's Mediation Mirage: Why Pleasing Everyone Serves No One Share Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on X (Twitter) Pakistan’s bid to mediate between Washington and Tehran has been celebrated as a diplomatic comeback — but Islamabad’s simultaneous commitments to Saudi Arabia, China, and the Gulf economy make genuine neutrality structurally impossible. When Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir stepped forward in April 2026 to host the Islamabad Peace Talks between the United States and Iran; Islamabad was hailed in some quarters as a diplomatic phoenix, a country rising from years of international isolation to broker one of the most consequential negotiations of the twenty-first century. The optics were compelling; however, beneath the pageantry of a 300-member American delegation and a 70-member Iranian counterpart sat a more uncomfortable truth: Pakistan is not a neutral mediator. It is a deeply entangled stakeholder attempting to balance a web of irreconcilable obligations to Washington, Riyadh, Beijing, and Tehran simultaneously. That is not diplomacy, but a gamble dressed in diplomatic clothing. The Illusion of Neutrality Classical …

Why is Pakistan involved in a US-Iran peace deal? <p>Pakistan has played a key role in efforts to halt war between Iran and the United States, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing a deal and "immediate and permanent" end to military operations this week.</p><p>Pakistan signalled it will continue to lay the groundwork for further talks, with a signing ceremony scheduled in Switzerland on June 19.</p><p>- How did Pakistan take a central role? -</p><p>In March, several weeks into the war, Islamabad confirmed it was relaying messages back and forth between Tehran and Washington.</p>

Pakistan's Role in De-escalating Iran Conflict: Masood Khan - Pakistan ... Masood Khan highlights Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Iran conflict, emphasizing communication with key global players to promote dialogue and stability. Staff Report March 15, 2026 ISLAMABAD:Former president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Masood Khan has said that Pakistan is playing a constructive diplomatic role amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, maintaining communication with major capitals including Washington, Tehran and Riyadh to promote dialogue and de-escalation. Speaking during a television interview on the evolving Middle East crisis, Khan said although there is speculation that the United States may consider an exit strategy from the conflict with Iran, the war appears far from over. He noted that while President Donald Trump could politically claim victory at any time, signals from the US defence establishment suggest preparations for a prolonged confrontation. He pointed out that additional military deployments, including naval assets and marine expeditionary forces, indicate that the conflict may intensify rath…

Can Pakistan turn its US-Iran mediation success into lasting gains? Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran has put it at the center stage of global diplomacy. While the most immediate objective has been to reduc...