Islamabad seen as likely venue for dialogue; Trump repost seen as diplomatic nod; Move casts Pakistan as ME mediator
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifand US President Donald Trump at the “Board of Peace” meeting in Davos on January 22, 2026. PHOTO:REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
In a potentially game-changing diplomatic signal, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday publicly offered Pakistan as a venue for US-Iran peace talks, an offer that received an extraordinary boost when President Donald Trump reposted it on his Truth Social platform, a move widely seen in Islamabad as Washington’s tacit endorsement of Pakistan’s emerging role as a mediator.
“Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in the Middle East… Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks,” the prime minister wrote on X, signalling Islamabad’s willingness to move from quiet facilitation to a more visible diplomatic role, subject to agreement from both Washington and Tehran.
The unprecedented repost by Trump has injected fresh momentum into Pakistan’s mediation bid, suggesting that the idea of Islamabad as a neutral venue for high-stakes negotiations is gaining traction at the highest levels in Washington.
It is believed the prime minister’s formal offer after widespread media speculations is a carefully choreographed move by all the stakeholders.
Iran has publically denied reports of holding any talks with the US but sources said that might just be for domestic consumption.
Sources in Islamabad said ongoing efforts seeking de-escalation were the most serious since the conflict began in February 28.
The choice of Pakistan as main mediator stems from its unique role. Islamabad has cultivated close ties with the Trump administration while it has also maintained deep connection with Iran. Similarly, Gulf countries also trust Pakistan, placing it in a position where it can help broker a deal.
Pakistan has also, for the first time, publicly acknowledged its role in de-escalation efforts, even as it urged restraint in public discourse around sensitive diplomatic initiatives.
In an exclusive conversation with The Express Tribune here on Tuesday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed that Islamabad was actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to help end the conflict, while cautioning that such efforts require discretion.
“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,” Andrabi said.
However, he stressed the need for confidentiality. “Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced with discretion,” he noted, urging the media to avoid speculation and wait for official announcements.
Some reports claimed the US delegation has already arrived in Islamabad for talks but there was no official confirmation.
Pakistan’s calibrated public messaging comes as it quietly positions itself at the centre of intensifying diplomatic activity aimed at halting the escalating US-Iran confrontation. American media reports and officials familiar with the developments suggest Islamabad is being considered as a venue for talks between Tehran and Washington.
The diplomatic opening followed President Trump’s announcement of a temporary halt in hostilities, citing “constructive engagement” with Iran. In the aftermath, countries including Turkiye and Egypt joined Pakistan in facilitating indirect communication between the two adversaries.
According to Axios, potential talks could involve a US delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside senior Iranian leadership. Tehran has publicly denied any plans for negotiations, but diplomatic sources point to intensified backchannel activity suggesting otherwise.
Over the past 24 hours, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership has remained deeply engaged. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming solidarity with Iran while urging restraint and dialogue.
An official statement said the prime minister conveyed Eidul Fitr and Nowruz greetings, expressed condolences over loss of life, and warned of the “dangerous” trajectory of the conflict. He underscored the urgent need for collective diplomatic efforts and stressed that unity within the Muslim Ummah was “more critical than ever.”
At the same time, Pakistan’s military leadership also engaged Washington. A Financial Times report said Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a conversation with President Trump to discuss the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conducted parallel outreach, speaking with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi and Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, with all sides agreeing to maintain close coordination.
These parallel engagements, involving Turkiye and Egypt as well, point to a coordinated — though still nascent — mediation effort centred largely on backchannel diplomacy rather than formal negotiations.
While Islamabad has not officially confirmed hosting talks, diplomatic sources say the option remains on the table, particularly in light of Trump’s public signal of support.
Analysts caution that despite the flurry of activity, a breakthrough remains uncertain given deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran and the rapidly evolving battlefield situation.
Still, Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy highlights its attempt to act as a bridge, balancing solidarity with Iran as a neighbour while maintaining strategic ties with the United States and key Gulf partners.
Officials say that if these efforts translate into formal talks, it could mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough for Islamabad, potentially reshaping its role on the global stage.
