Pakistan ready to host US-Iran talks: PM

ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Pakistan was “ready and honoured” to be the host to negotiations between the United States and Iran as the Foreign Office (FO) acknowledged that the government was actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to help bring an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East, while cautioning against media speculation that could undermine sensitive efforts requiring discretion.
In a post on X, the premier said: “Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. 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.”
Earlier, in an exclusive conversation with The Express Tribune, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad remained firmly committed to resolving the conflict through dialogue and engagement, in line with its longstanding foreign policy principles.
However, he stressed that such efforts required confidentiality. “Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced with discretion,” he noted, urging the media to refrain from speculation and await official announcements.
Pakistan’s cautious public posture comes as it quietly emerges as a key player seeking an end to the escalating US-Iran conflict. According to American media reports and officials familiar with the developments, Islamabad is being positioned as a potential venue for negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The diplomatic opening followed US President Donald Trump announcing a temporary halt in hostilities, citing what he described as “constructive engagement” with Iran. In the immediate aftermath, reports suggested that Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt stepped up efforts to facilitate indirect messaging between the two adversaries.
According to Axios, Islamabad is being considered for possible talks involving a US delegation that may include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside senior Iranian leadership, potentially including the parliamentary speaker. Tehran, however, has publicly rejected any suggestion of direct or indirect negotiations with Washington. Yet, diplomatic activity over the past 24 hours indicates a flurry of behind-the-scenes engagement, suggesting otherwise.
Pakistan’s civil and military leadership remained actively engaged with key stakeholders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming solidarity with Iran while urging restraint and dialogue.