Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanks Pakistan for solidarity
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View on mapTehran says Islamabad talks depend on terms
• Araghchi denies rejecting Pakistan as venue for talks • Dar discusses UN resolution with Bahrain FM, calls Egyptian counterpart • Ghalibaf says sustainable security in region Iran’s priority, offers bilateral arrangements ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday pushed back at reports that Iran was unwilling to travel to Islamabad for future talks with the US, underscoring that Tehran’s position hinged on the terms and conditions of any negotiations. “Iran’s position is being misrepresented by the US media. We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad,” Mr Araghchi said in a post on X. “What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” he further said. His remarks came a day after a report by The Wall Street Journal said Iran had declined to participate in talks in Islamabad, citing objections to US demands and suggesting Pakistan’s efforts had stalled. Responding to Mr Araghchi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar responded quickly, writing: “Truly appreciate your clarification, my Dear Brother @Araghchi.” The exchange helped keep alive a fragile diplomatic track that Islamabad has been facilitating through backchannel contacts between Washington and Tehran. Officials say Pakistan has been relaying messages while building support for talks through parallel engagements with regional and global partners. Mr Araghchi’s clarification came at a time when momentum for negotiations had slowed, with Tehran yet to formally signal readiness for talks despite reported exchanges through intermediaries. Pakistani officials say Islamabad has remained in contact with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mr Araghchi to encourage participation. Diplomatic outreach continued on Saturday, with Mr Dar holding separate calls with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. According to official readouts, the discussions focused on regional developments, the need for de-escalation and support for dialogue. In his conversation with Al Zayani, Mr Dar highlighted the Pakistan-China five-point initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. Mr Dar “underscored the urgent need for de-escalation and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy”, the Foreign Office said in a statement. Bahrain is one of the Arab countries that has maintained a relatively more aggressive posture on the war. The Bahraini minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, the statement said and noted that both sides had agreed to remain in close contact. The conversation took place as a development is unfolding at the United Nations Security Council, where a Bahrain-backed resolution on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz has been delayed. The vote, initially planned for Friday and later Saturday, has now been postponed until next week amid a lack of consensus. “Both sides also exchanged views on multilateral efforts, including at the UNSC, and agreed to remain in close contact,” the Foreign Office said. Pakistan is a non-permanent member of the UNSC. Diplomats say divisions among major powers have stalled progress. Russia and China have raised objections to language that could be seen as authorising the use of force, while France has also expressed concerns. Without at least nine affirmative votes and no veto from permanent members, adoption remains uncertain. The delay in voting also reflects disagreements at the UNSC over how to address tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which is being selectively regulated by Iran. The Foreign Office, in its statement on Mr Dar’s conversation with the Egyptian foreign minister, said, “They discussed the latest regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts, underscoring the importance of dialogue and de-escalation.” Despite these challenges, officials say the back and forth between Tehran and Islamabad indicates that the channel for potential US-Iran talks remains open, though progress will depend on bridging gaps over the terms of engagement. Regional powers Also, Speaker of Iran’s Consultative Assembly Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told Al Jazeera Arabic that Tehran was open to “bilateral, multilateral diplomacy with neighbours”. He said the countries of the region could secure their interests through “bilateral and multilateral security agreements without foreign interference. The main drivers of insecurity in the region must be removed, and security must be built without the US and Israel.” He said this was Israel’s war, while the resulting security breakdown and losses had affected the entire world. Maintaining the region’s sustainable security was not only in the interests of its countries, but also Iran’s priority, he added. Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026
DawnApril 5, 2026 at 02:40 AM UTC‘Never refused to go to Islamabad’: Iran says US media misrepresenting its position on peace talks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said that Tehran’s leadership “never refused to go to Islamabad” for possible peace talks that Pakistan has offered to host to bring the ongoing US-Israeli war on the Islamic republic to an end. “Iran’s position is being misrepresented by US media,” Araghchi wrote on X. “We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” he emphasised. He also shared a video showing Iranians waving Pakistan’s flags in an apparent show of appreciation for Pakistan and its people. The Iranian official ended his post with “Pakistan Zindabad” written in Urdu. Araghchi’s statement comes a day after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing unnamed mediators, reported that the “current round of efforts by regional countries led by Pakistan to reach a ceasefire” between the United States and Iran had reached a “dead end”. Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar promptly appreciated Araghchi’s “clarification”. “Truly appreciate your clarification, my dear brother,” Dar said on X in response to Araghchi’s post. Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi termed Araghchi’s statement a “timely reminder” that “speculation helps no one”. “Stick to official statements and verified media readouts for clear and accurate information,” he said. The clarification from Iran also follows media reports noting that Tehran had yet to formally respond to proposals for a dialogue despite back-channel exchanges in recent days. Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process, leveraging its ties with the US, its working relationship with Iran, and its strategic partnership with China. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had initially offered on March 24 that Pakistan stood “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran. Last week, Islamabad hosted a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers and reiterated its offer. On March 31, Pakistan and China also issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace in the Middle East, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. ‘Iran has zero confidence in US’ On Friday, an Iranian official in Tehran had also denied reports that Iran had refused to participate in a dialogue in Islamabad. Rather, he pointed to a different set of constraints. The official said the terms conveyed by Washington were unacceptable. “The conditions, or the 15-point proposal, put forward by the United States are too difficult to accept,” the official said, describing the situation as “highly complex”. He noted that Iran’s immediate focus was on the war and not negotiations. Moreover, he cited deep mistrust of US intentions. “Recent US deployments to the region do not align with its stated intentions of pursuing talks, and therefore Iran has zero confidence in the US,” he said. Recalling the targeting of two Iranian leaders pursuing an initiative for de-escalation, the official said, “There are serious concerns that anyone participating in negotiations could also be targeted.” Nevertheless, the official praised Pakistan for its efforts, saying “Pakistani leaders were undoubtedly doing their best for cessation of hostilities.”
DawnApril 4, 2026 at 05:18 PM UTCBilawal stresses political unity amid economic crisis triggered by US-Israeli war on Iran
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday stressed political unity in the country amid the economic crisis triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran. He made the remarks while speaking in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to mark the 47th death anniversary of PPP founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. “We feel that there should be consensus in Pakistan and political differences should be kept aside in order to work together,” he said. He also appreciated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for constructively participating in consultations held with the president and the prime minister. He thanked Afridi for participating in the meetings, and playing a “positive role” in the process. “Together, the Centre, provinces, political parties … will face these difficulties as one. If there is no division among us, there is no force in the world that can break Pakistan,” he said. In his remarks, Bilawal had also condemned the US-Israeli war on Iran, saying that the entire world, including Pakistan, was facing the consequences. “This war is among the US, Israel and Iran, but its impact have been felt by Pakistanis in the form of a hike in prices of petrol and electricity,” he said. He said that the efforts were being made by several countries, including Pakistan, to end the war. He hoped that these efforts bore fruit and that peace would prevail. “We pray for all those forces, including the Pakistani government, who are working to achieve a ceasefire,” Bilawal said. In his remarks, Bilawal also paid tribute to Bhutto for laying the foundation of the country’s nuclear programme. He said that “ Zionist forces, who are attacking Iran, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, cannot look at Pakistan with evil intentions” because of the late premier. Talking about the economic challenges being faced, he highlighted the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). He said that it could be used to provide relief to the poor, especially when the country was facing such a situation. “In these tough times, BISP is an excellent way of providing financial support to the people. It is the sole programme which has beneficiaries in every province and district,” he said. He said that while the federal government did not currently possess the fiscal space to increase BISP funds, the PPP was ready to work with the Centre in this regard. He suggested that if a mini-budget was being considered, it should channel assistance through the BISP.
DawnApril 4, 2026 at 04:46 PM UTCAraghchi says US media misrepresenting Iran’s position, ‘grateful’ to Pakistan for its peace efforts
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said that Iran’s position was being misrepresented amid the ongoing US-Israeli war, adding that Tehran’s leadership was “grateful” for its peace efforts and “never refused to go to Islamabad” for potential talks. “Iran’s position is being misrepresented by US media,” Araghchi wrote on X. “We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” he emphasised. He also shared a video showing Iranians waving Pakistan’s flags in an apparent show of appreciation for Pakistan and its people. The Iranian FM ended his post with “Pakistan Zindabad” written in Urdu. Araghchi’s statement comes a day after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing unnamed mediators, reported that the “current round of efforts by regional countries led by Pakistan to reach a ceasefire” between the United States and Iran had reached a “dead end”. Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar promptly appreciated Araghchi’s “clarification”. “Truly appreciate your clarification, my dear brother,” Dar said on X in response to Araghchi’s post. Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi termed Araghchi’s statement a “timely reminder” that “speculation helps no one”. “Stick to official statements and verified media readouts for clear and accurate information,” he said. The clarification from Iran also follows media reports noting that Tehran had yet to formally respond to proposals for a dialogue despite back-channel exchanges in recent days. Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process, leveraging its ties with the US, its working relationship with Iran, and its strategic partnership with China. Last week, after offering to host a possible US-Iran dialogue, Islamabad held a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers and reiterated its offer. On March 31, Pakistan and China also issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace in the Middle East, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. ‘Iran has zero confidence in US’ On Friday, an Iranian official in Tehran had also denied reports that Iran had refused to participate in a dialogue in Islamabad. Rather, he pointed to a different set of constraints. The official said the terms conveyed by Washington were unacceptable. “The conditions, or the 15-point proposal, put forward by the United States are too difficult to accept,” the official said, describing the situation as “highly complex”. He noted that Iran’s immediate focus was on the war and not negotiations. Moreover, he cited deep mistrust of US intentions. “Recent US deployments to the region do not align with its stated intentions of pursuing talks, and therefore Iran has zero confidence in the US,” he said. Recalling the targeting of two Iranian leaders pursuing an initiative for de-escalation, the official said, “There are serious concerns that anyone participating in negotiations could also be targeted.” Nevertheless, the official praised Pakistan for its efforts, saying “Pakistani leaders were undoubtedly doing their best for cessation of hostilities.”
DawnApril 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC‘Silence’ stonewalls Pakistan-led US-Iran talks initiative
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan-led initiative to facilitate US-Iran talks has been held up, with Tehran yet to formally respond to proposals for dialogue despite back channel exchanges in recent days, a senior official told Dawn on Friday. The official, who was speaking on background, said some ground had been covered, with messages relayed between Washington and Tehran, but the absence of a clear Iranian signal has slowed momentum at this critical stage. “It is surprising that despite the obliteration of significant naval, air force, and other military and civilian infrastructure, Iran has not responded positively to calls for negotiations,” the official, who is familiar with the discussions, said. He said both Pakistan and China had urged Iran to engage, but “Tehran has so far not conveyed its readiness to take part in the dialogue.” He added that Pakistani leaders, despite Tehran not giving a reply, have remained in contact with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in an effort to revive the process persuading them to accept American offer of talks. Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in this process, leveraging its ties with US, its working relationship with Iran, and its strategic partnership with China. This initiative is being spearheaded by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. The official said that besides messages between the two sides, Pakistan was simultaneously building support for the prospective talks through parallel engagements with Gulf countries, Turkiye and Beijing. He underscored the challenge of convincing Arab countries, who remain staunchly opposed to Iran and are maintaining a harsh line against it, for not opposing de-escalation. A framework for potential negotiations has already been discussed, and all sides have indicated Islamabad as a possible venue. “Once Iran consents, negotiations are expected to take place there,” the Pakistani official said stressing that Iran’s go ahead was the only remaining element before the talks get under way. He claimed that US had even indicated that Vice President JD Vance could lead its delegation. Yet, he feared, developments inside Iran were complicating decision making there. He said key decisions were now being shaped by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with authority further diffused after strikes in which senior political and military figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were assassinated. This fragmentation, he suggested, was making it harder for Tehran to take a clear negotiating position. Iranian position When contacted an Iranian official in Tehran, meanwhile, pointed to a different set of constraints. The official, who too spoke on background, said the terms conveyed by Washington were unacceptable. “The conditions, or the 15-point proposal, put forward by the United States are too difficult to accept,” the official said, describing the situation as “highly complex.” The Iranian official denied reports that Iran had refused to participate the dialogue in Islamabad, after Wall Street Journal reported Iran “officially told mediators that it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days and considers US demands unacceptable”. He said Iran’s immediate focus is on the war and not negotiations. Moreover, he cited deep mistrust of US intentions. “Recent US deployments to the region do not align with its stated intentions of pursuing talks, and therefore Iran has zero confidence in US,” he said. As part of its planning for potential ground operations against Iran, US has deployed specialised military hardware and personnel in the region. Most notably, 18 A-10C Thunderbolt II “Warthog” close air support aircraft, designed specifically for providing low altitude protection for ground troops, have been moved to Middle East. Pentagon has also positioned USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea, placed the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and thousands of additional Marines on ready mode, besides moving large numbers of heavy lift transport aircraft including C-17s and C-5s along with aerial tankers towards the theater. These movements coincide with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to paratroopers already involved in the operation and internal planning for two high risk ground assaults, including potential special forces raids or temporary occupation of Iranian islands in the Strait of Hormuz for seizing of highly enriched uranium. Security concerns are also weighing on Tehran’s calculus. The Iranian official recalled that former foreign minister Kamal Kharazi, who was to be part of the negotiating team, was targeted few days back, similarly, former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, who was pursuing an initiative for de-escalation, was assassinated. “There are serious concerns that anyone participating in negotiations could also be targeted,” the Iranian official underlined. Nevertheless, the official praised Pakistan for its efforts saying “Pakistani leaders were undoubtedly doing their best for cessation of hostilities.” The initiative reflects Pakistan’s attempt to act as a middle power facilitator, using its access to multiple sides to keep channels open in a conflict that has disrupted energy flows, threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and raised fears of a wider regional war. Diplomats say the window for talks is narrow and fragile. They emphasise that while both sides have exchanged messages indirectly, the gap between US demands and Iranian expectations remains wide. Pakistan’s immediate priority in this situation, another diplomat said, was to sustain the contacts and prevent a complete breakdown. He said whether or not that could translate into formal negotiations will depend on decisions in Tehran and Washington, where military developments continue to shape the pace and direction of diplomacy. FO calls for due diligence Later, a statement by the Foreign Office (FO) said: “We have noted several reports in the media, including on social media, citing so-called official government sources regarding the ongoing conflict in the region and Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and dialogue.” Without specifically referring to any reports or their contents, the statement added: “We categorically reject these false insinuations attributed to purported official sources as baseless and a figment of imagination. Any attribution to official sources in this regard is incorrect. “It is a matter of concern that the briefing held on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been misrepresented, with references to issues that were neither discussed nor alluded to.” The FO said at a time of heightened regional sensitivity, diplomacy requires both discretion and responsibility. “We therefore urge all media platforms to exercise due diligence, avoid speculation, and rely exclusively on officially issued statements and media readouts for accurate and timely information.”
DawnApril 3, 2026 at 09:54 PM UTCIf Iran unravels
PAKISTAN has long viewed the sudden collapse of the Iranian regime as a national security threat. That assessment, which has been held quietly for years, acquired fresh urgency with the outbreak of the Gulf conflict. Pakistan is already confronting heightened militancy and terrorism in its western regions, where groups such as the TTP and BLA operate from sanctuaries in Afghanistan. In our worst-case calculations, a sudden power vacuum in Tehran would risk unleashing a flood of advanced Iranian weapons — particularly kamikaze drones — into these networks. Field Marshal Asim Munir met President Donald Trump last year in June, during the height of the 12-day war with Iran, and again in September. Iran featured explicitly in their discussions, with Trump publicly noting that Pakistan “knows Iran very well, better than most”. These meetings gave Islamabad insight into the Trump administration’s thinking on Iran while also conveying Pakistan’s concerns to him. The US-Israel campaign that began on Feb 28, 2026, opened with heavy decapitation strikes and deeper attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites. Israel saw the moment as a historic opportunity to eliminate what it regards as an existential threat. Reports indicated that certain Arab capitals, while publicly calling for de-escalation, also privately encouraged a more decisive outcome. In Washington, hawkish quarters initially leaned towards regime change, though President Trump has since shifted towards declaring major objectives achieved and exploring a negotiated exit. What Pakistan fears most is a rapid fracture of central authority in Tehran. The IRGC has already demonstrated its ability to function in a decentralised manner. Even after the early loss of the Supreme Leader and dozens of senior commanders, IRGC units continued launching missiles and drones on local initiatives. In the most plausible scenario, dozens of battle-hardened IRGC battlegroups, each with its own internal command chain, would survive the collapse of central authority. Some would seize control of the vast underground ‘missile cities’ and weapon caches. Others would take physical possession of dispersed Shahed-136/238 drone production lines. The region could quickly turn into an arms bazaar. With no foreign power willing to put boots on the ground, reconfiguration of power would be decided by whoever controls the guns and the factories. A younger generation of IRGC commanders, needing funds to expand their influence, would have strong incentives to turn to the black market. Advanced munitions, including kamikaze drones, could potentially find their way into the hands of arms dealers, non-state actors and militant groups across the region. Iran shares long borders with several countries, creating multiple pathways for proliferation. The region could quickly turn into an arms bazaar, with deadly weapons finding their way to groups that currently operate with far more rudimentary capabilities. In consequence, the low-tech drone incidents of today could tomorrow become deadly campaigns using Iranian-origin Shaheds and Mohajer systems. Pakistan has already witnessed in the recent skirmishes with Afghanistan when low-tech drones arrived over Islamabad. The leap from those rudimentary systems to sophisticated, long-range Iranian drones would represent a qualitative escalation — and the danger would not stop at Pakistan’s borders. The combination of rogue militias and deadly weapons such as Shahed drones combined with vast ungoverned spaces would create a powder keg stretching from the Kurdish mountains and Iraq to Yemen and across the Red Sea into the Horn of Africa. Which is why Pakistan has quietly counselled restraint on both sides throughout this crisis. It has urged Iran to avoid targeting Gulf civilian and economic infrastructure and would have conveyed to Washington the severe risks of a regime collapse. These efforts reflect Islamabad’s understanding that uncontrolled collapse in Tehran would create a security vacuum far more dangerous than the current stalemate. The silver lining is that beyond the rhetoric, initial drafts have been exchanged, with the US presenting 15 points and Iran responding with five. The positions are far apart, as is normal at the start of serious talks. Yet the process has begun. For Pakistan, the priority remains clear: to bring these two positions closer. Maintaining open channels of communication with all parties Islamabad remains in daily contact with the Iranian leadership, frequent engagement with GCC capitals, and close coordination with Washington as well as Beijing. As Pakistan mediates the initiative the real question in the days ahead is whether the parties can narrow the gap so that the region does not cross into further dangerous territory. The writer is a business strategist. moazzamhusain@gmail.com Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2026
DawnApril 3, 2026 at 04:53 AM UTCFive-point plan
FOREIGN Minister Ishaq Dar’s brief visit to Beijing on Tuesday has yielded a five-point plan endorsed by China that is being described as a “structured diplomatic template” to end the brutal US-Israeli war on Iran. The trip follows consultations in Islamabad last week which brought together the foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia to find a peaceful end to this misadventure. The plan calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities, US-Iran talks and security for the Strait of Hormuz, while also demanding that all parties refrain from the use or threat of use of force as diplomatic efforts continue. China’s backing for peace talks brings the weight of a global player to the efforts of Pakistan and other regional states to help end the conflict. It is a fact that the war has closed off one of the key trade routes Beijing depends on for its commercial activities, which may explain China’s interest in helping end hostilities quickly. It should be remembered that Beijing quietly played a role in bringing the Saudis and Iranians together in 2023 to bury the hatchet and restore diplomatic ties. China is also seen as a more impartial actor, particularly in Iran, when compared to the US, which is an aggressor in this case, and the EU, which has strained ties with Tehran. Because of its economic heft and growing geopolitical profile, what China says should have an impact in Tehran, Riyadh and other regional capitals. However, it is difficult to say if Chinese calls for restraint will have any takers in Tel Aviv and Washington. At the time of writing on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had asked for a ceasefire; the Iranian foreign minister said his country had done no such thing. As the five-point plan noted, “dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable path forward”. But the question is: are those running the show in Washington and Tel Aviv willing to pursue this path in good faith? If any peace plan is to work, it requires an immediate cessation of hostilities. The mixed messages coming from the US have only muddied the waters further, and the Iranians remain very sceptical — with good reason — of American claims that the US wants a deal. The US must halt the aggression against Iran immediately, and a long-term framework for peace can be worked out with the help of regional states, as well as China. Of course, there are high levels of mistrust on both sides, and this will take time to overcome. Importantly, Israel must be reined in. The destructive war it has unleashed on Lebanon means that even if the Iranian front simmers down, things in the Middle East will remain extremely volatile unless there is calm across the entire region. Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026
DawnApril 2, 2026 at 03:45 AM UTCPerils of mediation
PAKISTAN is in the diplomatic spotlight for its efforts to mediate in the US-Iran war. While this role could be beneficial in resolving the conflict, it also presents significant risks. Mediation between the aggressor and aggrieved has its inherent pitfalls. The task becomes more challenging when one party possesses far greater power and resources. In such cases, the weaker party may feel pressured to accept terms that are not in their best interest. This imbalance is particularly evident in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, which Pakistan is tasked with mediating. So far, Pakistan has acted primarily as a messenger, passing memos between the two parties. However, it appears to have made little progress in bringing them to the negotiating table, despite US President Donald Trump’s claims of making substantial headway in the discussions, which Iran has denied, asserting that no talks have taken place. The gap between America’s 15 points and Iran’s five points is too wide to bridge. Tehran has rejected US conditions as “excessive and unacceptable”, viewing them as a virtual document of surrender. Iran believes it holds an advantageous position despite the significant destruction caused by the US and Israel. Furthermore, Iran cannot trust the US administration, which has launched attacks against it twice during negotiations over the past year. The US, in coordination with Israel, initiated the war on Iran while both sides were reportedly close to reaching a deal on the nuclear issue. So far, Pakistan has successfully maintained a delicate balancing act in what may be the most consequential conflict with global implications. However, this balance is becoming increasingly tenuous as the scope of the war widens. While Pakistan has performed well in its role as a messenger due to its good relations with both the Trump administration and Tehran, questions remain about its mediation role in this highly volatile situation. A concern is whether it possesses the leverage necessary to bring the parties to the negotiating table as the conflict escalates. Pakistan’s balancing act is becoming tenuous as the scope of the war widens. Indeed, Pakistan has the support of the regional and international community in its efforts. However, its explicit backing of the Trump administration and defence treaty with Saudi Arabia, which is already embroiled in the conflict and is being targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, complicates its ability to act as an honest broker. Additionally, there is the pervasive presence of Israel, which, alongside the US, is the key instigator in this catastrophic war. Moreover, Israel’s right-wing government is unwilling to engage in any peace negotiations and has extended its military actions into Lebanon. In a recent statement, the Israeli prime minister noted that the war had only achieved “half of its objectives”, indicating a lack of interest in concluding the conflict. Given that Israel played a key role in convincing the Trump administration to pursue this war, it is hard to believe it will follow Washington’s directives. Days after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his hope of hosting a meeting between American and Iranian officials in Islamabad, the US, along with Israel, deployed bunker-buster bombs to strike what was purportedly a nuclear facility in Isfahan, signalling a significant escalation. Dar’s announcement followed a meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, which reportedly endorsed Pakistan’s mediation efforts. The recent escalation in attacks on Iran raises questions about Trump’s sincerity regarding any peace negotiations. What should one make of the leader of the world’s most powerful country who changes his views on the critical issues of war and peace in the same breath? It is challenging to respond to Trump’s contradictory statements regarding his destructive war on Iran, which has plunged the world into its most serious crisis since World War II. While he claims to be close to reaching a peace deal, he simultaneously threatens to obliterate Iran’s entire energy infrastructure and has begun preparing special forces for ground operations. He may seek an exit from a war that he appears to have already lost, but it seems extremely difficult for him to extricate himself from this quagmire. In the fifth week of the war, Iran has shown no signs of capitulation. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the purported peace talks are merely a cover being used by the Trump administration to prepare for a potential ground invasion of Iran. The US has already deployed thousands of troops to the Gulf including 3,000 from its elite airborne division, and has beefed up its navy in the region. According to American media reports, a ground operation involving special forces is imminent and it could happen before the end of the April 5 deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a recent statement, Trump hinted at taking control of Iran’s oil fields and establishing dominance over the strait. His frustration appears to be growing with the failure to obliterate Iran’s resistance. Despite the massive destruction of its military infrastructure, Iran is still raining missiles and drones deep inside Israel and targeting American military installations in the Gulf countries. America and Israel have committed war crimes with impunity since the onset of their war on Iran more than a month ago. For the first time in history, Israel, with the backing of the US, has assassinated Iran’s top civilian and military leaders, including its supreme leader. This marks the first instance in modern history where decapitation has been employed as a war strategy. Additionally, the US has targeted educational institutions and civilian populations. According to the New York Times, America tested its newly developed ballistic missile systems on the first day of the war, striking a sports hall and an adjacent elementary school in southern Iran, resulting in the deaths of over 150 young schoolgirls. Given the war crimes committed by the US and Israel, can one truly believe that Pakistan can mediate peace in the context of such an imbalance of power? Understanding these perils is critical for our policymakers who appear keen to earn America’s favour. The writer is an author and journalist. zhussain100@yahoo.com X: @hidhussain Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2026
DawnApril 1, 2026 at 04:47 AM UTC‘Diplomacy takes time’: Pak envoy reaffirms Islamabad’s commitment to Iran-US peace amid complex situation
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, even as regional tensions intensify. In an interview broadcast on Tuesday, Ambassador Sheikh told Fox News that Pakistan is “committed to providing every possible facilitation for fruitful dialogue”, while stressing that ultimate decisions rest with the conflicting parties. “While Pakistan continues to be the facilitator, it is actually upon the conflicting parties themselves to not only create the prerequisites for negotiations and to be able to conduct them in all earnest, but they will have to take the decisions which make it successful,” Ambassador Sheikh said. He described the situation as “a highly complex issue involving political, economic, and regional factors” and expressed gratitude that both sides have shown confidence in Pakistan’s ability to help mediate. “We are also mindful of the fact that it is not an easy process. It’s a very complicated matter with too many moving pieces, economic, political,” he said. The ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing tradition of peace-based diplomacy, seemingly alluding to its historical role in bridging divides between major powers, including China and the United States during the Cold War. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also visiting China on a one-day visit on Tuesday to enhance the peace process. “Pakistan’s offer to play a mediating role in the recent dispute between the United States and Iran is in the wider regional interest,” Ambassador Sheikh said. “Our recent offer is made in good faith and includes other regional partners. We are hopeful and willing to move matters forward in the region’s broader interest.” The envoy added, “We are trying to create the conducive setting for this dialogue to take place.” However, he stressed, “Diplomacy is a gradual process that requires time. Pakistan believes in negotiation and diplomacy as the foundation for sustainable peace.” Yet, the diplomatic path faces immediate challenges as US President Donald Trump continues to issue forceful warnings, including an apparently aggressive social media post about targeting Iran’s economic infrastructure. Analysts point out, however, that even in that post, he emphasised “serious discussions” with Iranian officials “to end” US military operations in Iran and claimed that “great progress has been made” in those talks. At the same time, Trump reiterated his demand for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately or face dire consequences. Hours later, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified at a briefing that reopening the Strait is something “the Administration is working towards”, but it is not one of the core objectives of the operation. She defined the core objectives as destroying Iran’s navy, dismantling its missile and drone infrastructure, weakening its regional proxies, and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon — something that Tehran denies being its objective. Analysts say this provides the Trump administration enough flexibility to declare at any stage that its objectives have been achieved and end the conflict, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the situation. Islamabad praised from within US Pakistan’s initiative has also drawn support from US lawmakers. Rep. Ryan Zinke, a Republican from Montana, praised Pakistan’s leadership in hosting peace talks and delivering “President Trump’s 15-point plan for peace in the Middle East. Bravo Zulu.” Rep. Jack Bergman, the Republican co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, called Pakistan’s role “key to lasting stability” and emphasised that “strong partnerships and decisive action” are essential. Bergman also reshared a Financial Times report highlighting Pakistan’s central positioning in the Iran-US peace process. Analysts note that Pakistan’s efforts as a neutral facilitator could enhance its diplomatic standing in both Washington and Tehran, offering a platform for dialogue even as the drumbeats of war grow louder. Ambassador Sheikh’s full statement underscores Islamabad’s commitment to constructive engagement and its belief that sustained negotiation, rather than confrontation, remains the only path to lasting stability in a region fraught with uncertainty. Islamabad hosted a four-country meeting over the weekend involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, where foreign ministers met for about 100 minutes and emphasised the need for de-escalation and dialogue. Providing details of that meeting, Dar had hinted that Pakistan could host direct talks between Iran and the US in the coming days “for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict”. Pakistan has taken centre-stage in a process to mediate between the US and Iran, being carried out in collaboration with Riyadh, Ankara and Cairo, with Dar confirming last week that “indirect talks” were taking place between Washington and Tehran through messages being relayed by Pakistan.
DawnMarch 31, 2026 at 07:02 AM UTCDiplomatic push
ISLAMABAD became the hub of regional diplomacy over the weekend as key states sent their foreign ministers to the capital in order to find a peaceful solution to the disastrous US-Israeli war on Iran. The top diplomats representing Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye were hosted by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as the conflict entered its second month, with no sign of America achieving its nebulous objectives, and the Iranians putting up a tough fight. In the meantime, the Gulf states have been caught in the crossfire, while the global economy has suffered major jolts, primarily due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, the government deserves credit for its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate matters. The quadrilateral meeting stressed the need for dialogue, as well as unity within the Muslim world. Noticeably, the language was much softer than previous statements issued by Arab capitals that have used a harsh tone against Iran. Mr Dar will now head to Beijing in order to expand diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire. Time is indeed of the essence as the war is expanding and pulling in actors from different parts of the globe. For example, Yemen’s Houthis have struck Israel in solidarity with Iran, while Ukraine has signed defence deals with the Gulf monarchies. Though one should not sound alarmist, when more and more players enter the fray, the chances of miscalculation increase, and an already volatile situation turns into a powder keg waiting to explode. If this happens, the entire region will be impacted, and a painful blow will be dealt to the global economy. The fact is that the key to de-escalation lies in Washington’s hands. It was America that started this disastrous war, and only America can and should end it, even if it means eating humble pie. Two key decisions must be made. Firstly, there is dangerous talk of the US planning a ‘limited’ ground invasion, specifically targeting Iranian oil facilities on Kharg Island. Such an invasion would be a disaster of unmitigated proportions. It seems the US has learnt nothing from its own history. Over the past few decades, two American invasions have ended in ignominious retreat: Iraq and Afghanistan. Perhaps President Donald Trump’s administration wants to add Iran as the third. The Iranians will be defending their homeland, operating in terrain they are very familiar with. The US should take a step back and reconsider. Secondly, Washington must pressure its proxy Israel to immediately stop attacks on Iran and Lebanon. Unless there is an immediate ceasefire, and plans for a ground invasion are nixed, efforts by Pakistan and other states to prevent escalation will go nowhere. Let Washington create the conditions for peace by immediately halting all hostilities, which Iran should respond to positively. Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2026
DawnMarch 31, 2026 at 03:32 AM UTC