Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanks Pakistan for solidarity
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THE international community appeared to let out a sigh of relief when US President Donald Trump pulled away on Monday from his threat to bomb Iranian energy facilities unless Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz. There was a remarkable change in Mr Trump’s tone as he claimed that “productive” talks were taking place with Iran. Tehran downplayed the matter, simply saying that Washington’s messages had been received. And in the midst of this high geopolitical drama, Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, along with Egypt and Turkiye, as it maintains contacts with both the US and Iran. There has, in fact, been speculation that Islamabad could be a venue for talks, while the prime minister has tweeted that Pakistan would be “honoured” to host the parleys “subject to concurrence by the US and Iran”. Perhaps Mr Trump’s decision to defer what would have been a catastrophic attack on Iranian power plants — inviting an equally destructive Iranian reply aimed at regional US interests — has been shaped by the realisation that this war is unwinnable. As this unnecessary conflict drags on, the global economy sinks deeper into the quagmire each day, while the threat of a conflagration consuming the entire region edges ever closer. It seems that a mix of incompetence and arrogance has been guiding the American war effort. Reports suggest that Mossad had painted a rosy picture of the Iranian people welcoming their US-Israeli ‘liberators’ with flowers once their clerical leadership had been ‘decapitated’. Nothing of the sort has occurred, and it seems that more rational minds may be advising Mr Trump to cut his losses and exit this doomed campaign. If any potential talks are to succeed, there should be an immediate ceasefire. Even after the announcement of talks, Israeli bombardment of Iran continued, along with Iran’s response. For immediate calm and long-term peace, there must be guarantees that Iran will not be attacked by the US-Israeli combine again. Tehran has good reason to be suspicious; it has been attacked twice during negotiations with the US. Many believe Mr Trump may be buying time to move in more troops. Pakistan and other regional states are putting in commendable efforts to extinguish the fires of war. But until the warmongers in Washington and Tel Aviv commit to respecting the sovereignty of regional states — Israel is also attacking Lebanon — such efforts may not succeed. The dreams of regime change and the creation of ‘Greater Israel’ must be consigned to the dustbin, and a new regional order based on respect for the sovereignty and security of all states, led and managed by regional states instead of outsiders, can be forged to bring lasting peace to the Gulf and the wider Middle East. Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2026
DawnMarch 25, 2026 at 04:39 AM UTCPakistan joins UNSC in denouncing illegal Israeli settlements
WASHINGTON: Pakistan on Tuesday joined seven other members of the UN Security Council in reiterating firm opposition to the annexation of any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the forcible displacement of the Palestinian people. All seven nations warned that such actions violated international law and undermined prospects for peace. The briefing, however, was delayed because the Israeli Ambassador Danny Dannon occupied the microphone and spoke first, although Pakistan pointed out that the slot was reserved for the seven-nation stakeout. Asked to explain Israel’s position about reported US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, Dannon said that Israel has “continued its participation” in the war and will “continue to attack targets” until it achieves its objectives. At a Security Council press stakeout, Pakistan delivered the first portion of a joint statement on behalf of Bahrain, Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Pakistan, Somalia and the United Kingdom. Tel Aviv envoy ‘hogs the mic’ ahead of stakeout; vows not to participate in Iran peace talks until ‘objectives achieved’ “Guided by the UN Charter and recalling the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2334, we reiterate our firm opposition to annexation of any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to any forcible displacement of the Palestinian people,” said the joint statement read by Pakistan’s UN ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. The group recalled that the council “has condemned all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. They stressed that such measures “violate international law, undermine ongoing peace efforts, run counter to the comprehensive plan and jeopardise the prospect of achieving just and lasting peace”. The statement underscored that the council “has also demanded that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem,” and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in this regard. Describing settlements as illegal, the members said: “This illegal settlement policy and Israeli settlers’ continuous and escalating attacks against the Palestinian civilian population, as well as the violence against Palestinian communities, including the recent killing of Palestinian children by Israeli forces, are unacceptable and must be brought to an immediate end and we call for those responsible to be held to account.” In the second segment of the stakeout, delivered by Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont of France, the members reaffirmed “the council’s call for the preservation of the historic status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem.” They expressed “deep concern regarding the grave humanitarian and economic situation unfolding in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” attributing it “notably due to the severe restrictions on movement and access and to the withholding of Palestinian tax revenues by Israel.” The group added: “We call for these matters to be addressed urgently.” The statement reaffirmed “the collective commitment reflected in the New York Declaration to take concrete measures, in accordance with international law, and in line with the relevant UN resolutions and the 19 July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, to help realise the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to counter policies and threats of forcible displacement and annexation throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” In the final portion, delivered by Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain, the members reiterated “our commitment towards achieving just and lasting peace on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative.” They called for ending the Israeli occupation and implementing the two-state solution. Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2026
DawnMarch 25, 2026 at 02:52 AM UTCIslamabad offers to host US-Iran climbdown effort
• Insiders say Washington asked Pakistan to host negotiations; groundwork laid in weeks of ‘hectic diplomacy’ • Witkoff expected to lead engagement; no indication yet of who Iran may send • Trump claims engagement on ‘15 points’ • Tehran implies existence of backchannel; spox says messages from US ‘received and responded to’ • Qatar, Turkiye support swift efforts to end war • German president calls US-Israeli war on Iran ‘violation of international law’ ISLAMABAD: A day after a proposal was floated to hold Iran-US talks in the nation’s capital, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally pitched Islamabad as a potential venue for negotiations between Iranian and US officials. “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,” he wrote on X, tagging US President Donald Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The move followed reports that Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt had talked the US out of attacking Iranian energy infrastructure — a move that many fear would mark a dangerous escalation in the already-deadly conflict raging in West Asia. While there was no official word on whether the offer was Pakistan’s own initiative, sources privy to discussions said that the request that Islamabad host talks between the two warring sides had actually come from Washington. “Didn’t you see that who re-tweeted the PM’s message,” a source privy to developments told Dawn when asked where the proposal originated from. This was a reference to President Donald Trump, who shared PM Shehbaz’s tweet on his own Truth Social platform. Pakistan has not made the offer ‘just for fun’, the insider said, adding that there was a deeper significance behind the move. When asked why Pakistan was chosen, the source said that the offer did not come about in a day or two, but was deliberated on in a series of meetings and backchannel efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation in the Middle East. “Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was in constant contact with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and talked to him at least five times in recent days,” the source said. Similarly, PM Shehbaz has spoken to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian twice in a couple of days, and their last conversation on Monday was said to have lasted over an hour. Meanwhile, the top military brass engaged Washington, the source said, referring to reports that Field Marshal Asim Munir had spoken to President Trump. In addition, civil and military leaders also met Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and his Defence Minister Faisal bin Farhan during a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, the insider said, painting all of these individual occurrences as being part of the chain of events that led up to the offer of Islamabad as a potential venue for de-escalation measures. Another aide to the PM cited media reports, which claimed that Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff had traveled to Pakistan. “There is, however, so far no sign of any meaningful Iranian figure joining him there,” the aide told Dawn. One source scoffed at the general feeling of ‘surprise’ over Pakistan playing a central role in organising talks between the warring sides, saying that it reflected how the country’s diplomatic potential was always underestimated. The source recalled that in the past, the country had played a key role in mediating between Iran’s Ahmedinejad regime and Saudi Arabia when their enmity was at its peak. Pakistan was also instrumental in bringing both the Afghan Taliban and Washington to the table at Doha. Going further back in history, the source recalled how Pakistan was the conduit for Henry Kissinger’s surreptitious China diplomacy in the early 1970s. ‘15 points’ and Iran’s response Tacitly confirming that a backchannel with Washington had been opened, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday that messages from the US have been received and responded to, according to state-run Press TV. The messages, “sent via friendly countries to seek talks and end the war, were received and answered in line with Iran’s principles”, the spokesperson said. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has claimed that there were “15 points” of agreement being discussed between the US and Iran. Speaking to reporters at the airport in West Palm Beach, he said the No 1 point was that Iranians had committed to not having a nuclear weapon — which Tehran has repeatedly clarified in the past. “I would say that if they carry through with that, it’ll end that, that problem, that conflict, and I think it’ll end it very, very substantially,” the president said. “They went, I would say, perfectly,” he added later. However, Iran’s president warned that stability in the region is possible only through “cooperation and respect for the will of the nations”. “Today we are witnessing the awakening of the people in many countries around the world,” Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X, claiming that people of Pakistan, Turkiye, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and Arab countries are “loudly expressing their rejection of the US, Israel and their crimes”. Reports indicate that the Iranian regime has hardened its stance and would significant concessions from the United States if mediation efforts lead to serious negotiations, Reuters reported. In any talks with the US, Iran would not only demand an end to the war but concessions that are likely red lines for President Trump —guarantees against future military action, compensation for wartime losses and formal control of the Strait of Hormuz, the sources said. Iran would also refuse to negotiate any limitations to its ballistic missile programme, they said, an issue that had been a ‘no-go’ for Tehran during the talks that were taking place when the US and Israel launched their attack last month. Regional reaction Other regional actors also weighed in, with Qatar saying it supports all diplomatic efforts to end the war with Iran, and Turkiye stressing the need for swift result-oriented negotiations. Meanwhile, rare criticism of the US-Israeli war came from the German president on Tuesday, who spoke of a “deep rift” with its traditional ally, and called the war on Iran a “breach of international law”. In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the war had stretched Gulf states’ security systems beyond breaking point. “The Gulf states — which have been working closely and in parallel to ensure their security — are in need of a post-war re-evaluation of what a shared regional security framework truly entails,” he added. After US President Donald Trump announced there had been communication between Washington and Tehran, al-Ansari said: “We support all diplomatic efforts within this framework, whether through official or unofficial channels and contacts”. Separately, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkiye would continue working with all its resources to establish peace. Ankara, he said, is considering various measures to protect the economy from the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has engulfed the region and sent energy prices soaring. “War, while being Israel’s war, is being paid for by the entire world,” Erdogan said during an address, calling for the door to dialogue to be opened and stressing the need to pursue result-oriented negotiations swiftly. Meanwhile, in unusually strong comments, the German head of state said: “The rift is too deep and the trust in American power politics has been lost, not only among our allies but… worldwide”. Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s words carry weight, although his role is mostly ceremonial. “Our foreign policy does not become any more convincing simply because we do not call a breach of international law a breach of international law.” He stressed that the US-Israel war on Iran was, “in my view, in breach of international law”. “There is little doubt that, in any case, the justification of an imminent attack on the US does not hold water,” he added. With input from Agencies Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2026
DawnMarch 25, 2026 at 02:27 AM UTCPakistan stands ‘ready, honoured’ to host US-Iran talks, says PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Pakistan stood “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran. “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 said in a post on the social media platform X. “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,” he said, tagging US President Donald Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Subsequently, the US president shared PM Shehbaz’s statement on his Truth Social platform. PM Shehbaz’s statement came shortly after the Foreign Office (FO) urged the media to refrain from speculation and await official announcements when asked about reports of Islamabad being a possible venue for talks between the US and Iranian representatives amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. “Pakistan, consistent with its longstanding policy, remains committed to the resolution of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East/Persian Gulf through diplomatic means and engagements,” FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in response to queries about the reports. “Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced with discretion. The media is therefore encouraged to refrain from speculation and to await official announcements regarding decisions and outcomes,” he said. A day earlier, Andrabi said in response to a query by Dawn, “If the parties desire, Islamabad is always willing to host talks.” He recalled that Pakistan had consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace and stability in the region. The developments come as several international media outlets, including Reuters and Axios, suggested that Islamabad could serve as a venue for potential direct talks between US and Iranian representatives in the coming days. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has entered its fourth week, began with the US and Israel launching attacks on Iran on February 28. The strikes also resulted in the assassination of then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Monday, Pakistan took centre stage in a coordinated diplomatic push alongside Turkiye and Egypt for de-escalation, as the trio appeared instrumental in securing a five-day pause of US plans to strike Iranian energy and power infrastructure, officials said, describing the effort as going beyond routine crisis management. US President Donald Trump publicly announced the pause on strikes on Monday, claiming Washington had held “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran over the previous couple of days that could lead to a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities. The pause, however, remains conditional and limited to strikes on Iranian power plants and major energy assets, with fighting continuing across multiple fronts. Reporting by the Financial Times and Axios suggested that senior officials from the three countries separately engaged with Witkoff and Araghchi, relaying positions between the two sides. The exchanges were indirect, with no direct contact reported between Washington and Tehran. The scope of the backchannel discussions went beyond an immediate pause. Officials said the exchanges focused on de-escalation, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the parameters of a broader end to the war. On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, while confirming that messages had been conveyed in recent days through several “friendly countries”, said the Iranian response was centred on its “principled positions”. Iran also denied any direct or indirect negotiation with the Trump administration or Witkoff, framing the US announcement as an attempt to influence markets. Tehran has maintained that any resolution must include guarantees against future US or Israeli attacks, reparations for damage, recognition of its rights, a comprehensive regional arrangement, and a framework for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the Iranian denials about negotiations, US officials maintain that the indirect messaging helped create the conditions for the pause. Meanwhile, a source in Pakistan told Dawn that “through active back channel diplomacy involving Steve Witkoff and Abbas Araghchi, these three nations (Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt) are showing that quiet communication is often the most direct path to global peace”. PM Shehbaz also held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, with the PM’s Office (PMO) saying the former conveyed concern over the “dangerous ongoing hostilities” and stressed “the urgent need to work collectively for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy”. “He stressed upon the critical importance of unity in the ranks of the ummah, that was required more than ever before,” the PMO statement said, adding that Pakistan would “continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace in the region”. The call, which was publicly announced as an Eid and Nowruz greeting exchange, came as engagement with regional and international interlocutors moved into high gear.
DawnMarch 24, 2026 at 03:26 PM UTCPakistan in the limelight as US, Iran ‘open backchannel’
• Efforts alongside Egypt and Turkiye seen as key to pausing threatened US strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure • Administration sources say diplomatic efforts saw Islamabad leveraging its position as ‘net regional stabiliser’ • PM speaks to Pezeshkian, Dar calls Araghchi; White House ‘kept in the loop’ • Islamabad floated as ‘possible venue’ for talks ISLAMABAD: On the 24th day of the US-Israel war against Iran, Pakistan took centre stage in a coordinated diplomatic push alongside Turkiye and Egypt, as the trio appeared instrumental in securing a five-day pause of US plans to strike Iranian energy and power infrastructure, officials said, describing the effort as going beyond routine crisis management. US President Donald Trump had publicly announced the ‘delay’ on Monday, saying Washington had held “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran over the previous couple of days that could lead to a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities. The pause, however, remains conditional and limited to strikes on Iranian power plants and major energy assets, with fighting continuing across multiple fronts. A source in the administration familiar with the backchannel described the de-escalation effort as substantive rather than symbolic. “Turkiye, Egypt and Pakistan are moving beyond rhetoric, proving that while many issue statements, these countries are walking the talk to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran,” the source said. Reporting by the Financial Times and Axios suggested that senior officials from the three countries separately engaged with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, relaying positions between the two sides. The exchanges were indirect, with no direct contact reported between Washington and Tehran. “The strategic synergy between Ankara, Cairo and Islamabad has established a vital diplomatic conduit, demonstrating that regional cooperation is the most effective antidote to escalation,” the source said, adding that the process was “more than just crisis management” and was “making tangible progress toward resolving outstanding issues”. Pakistan has been acting as a go-between for some time, delivering US messages to Tehran and back, but officials said its diplomatic outreach had intensified in recent days as the conflict edged closer to a major escalation over energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz. “Pakistan is reaffirming its role as a ‘net regional stabiliser’, leveraging its unique diplomatic position to shift the focus from confrontation toward meaningful dialogue,” the source said. Diplomatic push The scope of the backchannel discussions went beyond an immediate pause. Officials said the exchanges focused on de-escalation, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the parameters of a broader end to the war. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, while confirming that messages had been conveyed in recent days through several “friendly countries”, said the Iranian response was centered on its “principled positions”. Publicly, however Iran has denied any direct or indirect negotiation with the Trump administration or Witkoff, framing the US announcement as an attempt to influence markets. Tehran has maintained that any resolution must include guarantees against future US or Israeli attacks, reparations for damage, recognition of its rights, a comprehensive regional arrangement, and a framework for navigation through Strait of Hormuz. Despite the Iranian denials about negotiations, US officials maintain that the indirect messaging helped create the conditions for the pause. “Through active back channel diplomacy involving Steve Witkoff and Abbas Araghchi, these three nations are showing that quiet communication is often the most direct path to global peace,” the source said. In Islamabad, officials are portraying the development as validation of Pakistan’s diplomatic approach. The PM Office said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, had conveyed concern over the “dangerous ongoing hostilities” and stressed “the urgent need to work collectively for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy”. “He stressed upon the critical importance of unity in the ranks of the Ummah, that was required more than ever before,” the statement said, adding that Pakistan would “continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace in the region”. The call, which was publicly announced as an Eid and Nowruz greeting call, came as engagement with regional and international interlocutors moved into high gear. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, where he emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond. In addition, according to the Financial Times, US President Donald Trump also spoke to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. The conversation reportedly happened around the time he announced that he was deferring the strikes on Iran. However, there was no official confirmation from ISPR about FT’s claim. Venue for talks? Officials said the outreach reflected a calibrated effort to maintain channels with both Tehran and Washington while coordinating closely with Ankara and Cairo. “As international outlets report progress, the diplomatic leadership of Turkiye, Egypt and Pakistan offers the world a roadmap for steering away from conflict and toward a safer future,” the source said. Some media outlets, including Reuters and Axios, suggested that Islamabad could serve as a venue for potential direct talks between US and Iranian representatives in the coming days, a claim that gained traction because of Trump’s hint at further discussions in the next few days. However, there has been no official confirmation from Pakistan, the US or Iran regarding any such arrangement. “If the parties desire, Islamabad is always willing to host talks,” Foreign Office Spokesman Tahir Andrabi told Dawn. He recalled that Pakistan had consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace and stability in the region. An Iranian official described the reports about Pakistan hosting talks as “speculative”. Syed Irfan Raza in Islamabad also contributed to this report Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2026
DawnMarch 24, 2026 at 03:20 AM UTCSurprise US talks with Iran’s fractured leadership offer uncertain path out of conflict
Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf at first dismissed talks took place, insisting Trump’s claim was ‘fake news’ designed to soothe markets Middle East crisis – live updates The backchannel talks between Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, were not a secret in the sense that the Egyptian Foreign Ministry had tweeted that conversations were under way on Sunday, 24 hours before Donald Trump’s late Monday deadline to start blowing up Iran’s energy infrastructure. But such is the chaos surrounding the process that the discussions – thought to be well short of negotiations – may have lasted longer than Sunday, with more than one mediator, as is often the case, jostling for the title of peacemaker in chief. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, for instance, spoke with Trump on Sunday, while Pakistani prime minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, held talks with Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Monday. It is possible Pakistan could become the venue for further talks that this time would include JD Vance, the vice-president, a private sceptic about the war. Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, was right to warn not to bank on an early end to the conflict. Continue reading...
The Guardian WorldMarch 23, 2026 at 07:55 PM UTCPakistan, Egypt, Turkiye engaged in ‘back-channel diplomacy’ for US-Iran de-escalation: sources
Pakistan, along with Turkiye and Egypt, is engaged in “active back-channel diplomacy” to “bridge the gap between” the US and Iran, an official in the administration confirmed to Dawn on Monday. The official said that through “active back-channel diplomacy”, involving US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt were engaged in “quiet communication” to restore peace. The source said a “strategic synergy” between Ankara, Cairo and Islamabad had established a “vital diplomatic conduit, demonstrating that regional cooperation is the most effective antidote to escalation”. This “mediation effort” was more than just crisis management, the source said, adding that there were reports of tangible progress toward resolving outstanding issues and finding a sustainable end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The development has emerged after US President Donald Trump said he had given orders to postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, hours ahead of a deadline that threatened further escalation in the conflict, and claimed Washington and Tehran had held “very good and constructive” talks over the past two days. While Iran has denied holding any talks with the US in the past 24 days, its foreign ministry has admitted receiving messages from “friendly countries” that it said indicated requests for talks by the US. The ministry maintained that it had not responded to the messages, IRNA news agency reported. For their part, the official said that Pakistan’s efforts are a reaffirmation of its role as a “net regional stabiliser” and Islamabad leveraging its “unique diplomatic position” to shift the focus from confrontation toward meaningful dialogue. The source also referred to reports of progress made in mediatory efforts, adding that diplomatic efforts by Turkiye, Egypt and Pakistan offered the world a “roadmap for steering away from conflict and toward a safer future”. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has now entered its fourth week. It began with the US and Israel launching attacks on Iran, triggering a conflict that has expanded to the rest of the Middle East and the impact of which is being felt elsewhere, too, amid a global fuel crunch. On the first day of attacks on Iran, the strikes also resulted in the assassination of then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During the war, Gulf countries have also come under attack, and while Tehran accepts responsibility for some of the retaliatory attacks targeting US bases and assets in those countries, it denies having a role in others.
DawnMarch 23, 2026 at 07:27 PM UTCPakistan, Egypt, Turkiye engaged in ‘back-channel diplomacy’ for US-Iran de-escalation: official source
Pakistan, along with Turkiye and Egypt, is engaged in “active back-channel diplomacy” to “bridge the gap between” the US and Iran, an official confirmed to Dawn on Monday. The official said that through “active back-channel diplomacy”, involving US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt were engaged in “quiet communication” to restore peace. The source said a “strategic synergy” between Ankara, Cairo and Islamabad had established a “vital diplomatic conduit, demonstrating that regional cooperation is the most effective antidote to escalation”. This “mediation effort” was more than just crisis management, the source said, adding that there were reports of tangible progress toward resolving outstanding issues and finding a sustainable end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The development has emerged after US President Donald Trump said he had given orders to postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, hours ahead of a deadline that threatened further escalation in the conflict, and claimed Washington and Tehran had held “very good and constructive” talks over the past two days. While Iran has denied holding any talks with the US in the last 24 hours, its foreign ministry has admitted receiving messages from “friendly countries” that it said indicated requests for talks by the US. The ministry maintained that it had not responded to the messages. For their part, the official said that Pakistan’s efforts are a reaffirmation of its role as a “net regional stabiliser” and Islamabad leveraging its “unique diplomatic position” to shift the focus from confrontation toward meaningful dialogue. The source also referred to reports of progress made in mediatory efforts, adding that diplomatic efforts by Turkiye, Egypt and Pakistan offered the world a “roadmap for steering away from conflict and toward a safer future”. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has now entered its fourth week. It began with the US and Israel launching attacks on Iran, triggering a conflict that has expanded to the rest of the Middle East and the impact of which is being felt elsewhere, too, amid a global fuel crunch. On the first day of attacks on Iran, the strikes also resulted in the assassination of then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During the war, Gulf countries have also come under attack, and while Tehran accepts responsibility for some of the retaliatory attacks targeting US bases and assets in those countries, it denies having a role in others.
DawnMarch 23, 2026 at 05:51 PM UTCIn phone call with Pezeshkian, PM stresses ‘urgent need’ for collective efforts for de-escalation in Mideast
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, during which he stressed the “urgent need” for collective efforts for de-escalation in the Middle East and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. The phone call took place as the ongoing war in the Middle East entered its fourth week. It began on February 28, with the US and Israel launching strikes on Iran, which also resulted in the assassination of then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During the war, Gulf countries have also come under attack, and while Tehran accepts responsibility for some of the retaliatory attacks targeting US bases and assets, it denies having a role in others. Nevertheless, the developments have strained ties between Iran and Gulf nations. According to the statement issued by the PM’s Office (PMO), the premier conveyed his “serious concern” to Pezeshkian over the “dangerous ongoing hostilities in the Gulf region” during Monday’s phone call. “In view of this grave situation, the prime minister underscored the urgent need to work collectively for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy amongst all the neighbouring countries to settle their differences. He stressed upon the critical importance of unity in the ranks of the ummah, that is required more than ever before,” the statement read. It further stated that while sharing with the Iranian president the diplomatic outreach efforts of Pakistan’s leadership, the PM Shehbaz “assured the Iranian leadership that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace in the region”. “As a neighbouring brotherly country of Iran, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the brave Iranian people in the wake of the ongoing hostilities,” the statement said, adding that he also expressed “deep condolences over the loss of precious lives and prayed for early recovery and safety of those injured and displaced”. Moreover, PM Shehbaz extended Eidul Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian president and the brotherly people of Iran, the statement said. It added that the “feelings were warmly reciprocated by the Iranian president, who also conveyed his best wishes for the people of Pakistan”.
DawnMarch 23, 2026 at 01:26 PM UTCAssessing Pakistan’s trust
PAKISTAN has long remained on the US threat radar. However, evolving dynamics in West Asia, particularly Iran’s assertive posture, have placed the country under renewed scrutiny. America’s 2026 Annual Threat Assessment [ATA] presented to the Senate Intelligence Committee last week, names Pakistan alongside China, Russia, North Korea and Iran among the states developing a range of advanced and traditional missile delivery systems, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional payloads that could potentially strike the US homeland. The ATA categorises nations based on certain criteria, including their strategic orientation. There’s a complex profile in Pakistan’s case, which is seen to tilt towards China, signal ambiguously on Iran, support Saudi Arabia, and be increasingly inclined towards Russia in the strategic and geo-economic domains. This kind of a posture is often seen as uncertain and is hence suspicious in Washington’s strategic calculus. Even countries with long-standing security partnerships with the US are under scrutiny. At the same time, the ATA acknowledges Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, which were also recognised by President Donald Trump in his first address to Congress last year and by Centcom chief Gen Michael Kurilla. But CT cooperation can’t ensure broader strategic alignment; it simply opens space for dialogue and cooperation in other areas, as was reflected in Pakistan’s securing IMF support and reaching a fairly acceptable tariff arrangement with the US. Two internal dimensions also shape such assessments. First, the ideological and political orientation of the public, and, where divergence exists, the power elite’s ability to manage public sentiment at times of crises. Second, persisting internal conflicts can trigger instability and influence elite decision-making, particularly in ways that affect the regional and global geopolitical landscape. The US views Pakistan’s efforts to modernise its missile programme with caution. The ATA also reflects views long held by analysts who shape public discourse and are taken seriously by policymakers in Islamabad. Since the Iran-Israel-US crisis escalated last June, some analysts have warned that Iran’s collapse could bring Israel closer to Pakistan’s strategic horizon. Israel and Pakistan see threats in each other as a result of ideological, strategic and regional factors. Israel’s close links with India and Pakistan’s strong military capabilities and ties with the Gulf states have contributed to such a view. In particular, Pakistan’s nuclear capability is often framed in Israeli discourse in connection with Saudi Arabia’s security concerns. Pakistan, however, has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for deterrence and to preserve the strategic balance in South Asia, primarily with regard to India. When Pakistan engaged with the Trump-led Board of Peace, it did so partly to reduce suspicions and demonstrate a responsible role on the Palestinian issue together with its partners in western Asia and the larger Muslim world — it was a political move to secure its relevance to America’s security paradigm. And yet, US threat perceptions have their own logic. The US views Pakistan’s efforts to modernise and upgrade its missile programme with caution, particularly with regard to systems that it feels could threaten the US homeland. Given the deep intelligence and strategic links between the US, Israel and India, it is difficult to ignore the fact that both countries may reinforce Washington’s concerns about Pakistan’s defence capabilities. US-Pakistan relations have always been complex. They’ve been marked by cycles of cooperation and divergence driven by differing strategic priorities. Pakistan’s geographic position, its large Muslim population, and its strategic relevance have provided it with leverage, but these factors have also exposed it to regional rivalries, especially with India. While the US offers economic engagement, limited defence cooperation and diplomatic leverage, its political influence remains particularly important for Pakistan, especially in times of crisis with India. This was seen last year when Washington helped facilitate a ceasefire after the four-day Pak-India hostilities. Pakistan, too, maintains its own threat assessments regarding the US, which it doesn’t see as a fully reliable partner. Instead, the relationship has evolved into a pragmatic, functional engagement, which is grounded in realpolitik. In contrast, Pakistan’s ties with China are framed as a more stable partnership based on mutual trust. Both the US and China, however, share concerns about Pakistan’s internal security challenges and its approach to Afghanistan, where Pakistan largely operates without a reliable partner. This convergence is reflected in the ATA, which notes that Islamabad has grown increasingly frustrated with the presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan amid rising terrorism at home. While the Taliban publicly call for dialogue, they continue to harbour such groups. The US releases its threat assessment annually, offering insight into how it views both allies and adversaries. Yet, like most major powers, it does not formally reflect on how others perceive it, particularly when its policies place even its partners under strain. This much was evident recently when the American military presence in allied Arab states, despite being framed as a security guarantee, exposed these countries to Iranian retaliation. At the same time, Washington’s clear preference for Israel and its framing of the Iran threat have, at times, contributed to wider economic and geopolitical tensions. Similarly, recent frictions with European and North American partners, such as tensions involving Canada and debates around Greenland, are reminders that even close allies are not immune to pressure. This reflects a broader dilemma of great powers: in attempting to correct one mistake, they make another. Over time, the unchecked privilege of such decisions can erode credibility. The greatest cost is not strategic miscalculation alone, but also the gradual loss of trust among allies. For Pakistan, the most viable course is a balanced one. It is likely to continue engaging with the US, particularly in West Asia, while carefully safeguarding its own strategic interests and avoiding direct friction with its partners. In times of uncertainty, such calibrated positioning offers resilience, though the evolving dynamics will inevitably demand new responses and adjustments. The writer is a security analyst. Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2026
DawnMarch 23, 2026 at 05:04 AM UTC