PM offers to host talks to end Iran war

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan stood “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the United States 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 wrote in a post on X, tagging US President Donald Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Minutes after Prime Minister Shehbaz’s post, President Trump shared the message on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“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,” the prime minister added. The remarks come amid reports from international media that Islamabad could serve as a venue for potential direct talks between US and Iranian representatives in the coming days.

READ ALSO: Pakistan ready to facilitate talks for settlement of Mideast conflict: PM Shehbaz

Meanwhile, Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the escalating Middle East and Persian Gulf crisis through diplomacy, while simultaneously cautioning the media against speculative reporting regarding Islamabad’s potential role as a host for high-level talks between Iran and the United States.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), spokesperson Tahir Andrabi responded to media queries suggesting that Pakistan could emerge as one of the primary sites for negotiations aimed at de-escalating the regional crisis. The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s approach remains rooted in its “longstanding policy” of seeking peaceful resolutions to international conflicts. He highlighted that Islamabad continues to advocate for diplomatic engagement as the only viable path to stability in the region.

Addressing the rumors of imminent talks on Pakistani soil, Andrabi stressed the sensitive nature of international mediation.

The spokesperson added, “Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced with discretion.” He further stated that the media is, therefore, requested to refrain from speculation and to wait for official announcements regarding decisions and outcomes.” The statement came at a time of heightened international interest in Pakistan’s unique position as a state that maintains functional diplomatic channels with both Tehran and Washington.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar spoke with the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed on Tuesday.

They exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. Ishaq Dar underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward. He also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives, including three Pakistani nationals, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the UAE. Both leaders exchanged Eid greetings and agreed to remain in close contact. Ishaq Dar also held a telephone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, and discussed with him the regional situation amid escalating tension in the wake of the US-Israel strikes on Iran.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026