ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has stepped into a pivotal diplomatic role as tensions between the United States and Iran enter a new phase marked by signals of potential negotiations and global calls for de-escalation.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan is ready to facilitate and host talks between Washington and Tehran if both sides agree, calling it a step toward regional peace and stability.
Officials in Islamabad described the offer as a continuation of Pakistan’s long-standing role in backchannel diplomacy, with senior-level contacts already taking place. A recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s military leadership further highlighted the country’s growing strategic relevance.
A senior official in Islamabad, speaking on condition of anonymity, said diplomatic efforts are “moving quietly but seriously,” with multiple countries involved in message exchanges between the two sides.
From Iran’s perspective, officials have indicated a willingness to provide guarantees that it will not develop nuclear weapons, while maintaining its right to peaceful nuclear technology. However, Tehran has made it clear that any agreement must include the lifting of sanctions.
Iranian sources also outlined broader conditions for ending the conflict, including guarantees against renewed war, the withdrawal of US military presence from the region, and compensation for war-related damages.
Despite these signals, Iran has denied any direct negotiations with the United States, stating that any recent contacts have been limited to indirect communication through intermediaries.
On the American side, President Trump has repeatedly claimed that talks are ongoing and that progress has been made on multiple points. He said the US is engaging with “the right people” in Iran and emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a core condition.
However, the conflicting narratives from both sides underscore the fragile and uncertain nature of the diplomatic process.
Regional and global powers have also weighed in. China has urged all parties to prioritize dialogue over conflict, warning that continued escalation could destabilize both regional and global economies.
Qatar has stressed that Iran’s complete destruction is not a viable option and that diplomacy remains the only path forward, reflecting growing concern among Gulf states about the widening conflict.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the country would avoid being drawn into what he described as a broader regional trap, emphasizing a cautious and calculated approach.
Russia, meanwhile, criticized attempts to impose solutions through force, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warning that such strategies could deepen instability in the Middle East.
Israel has taken a more assertive stance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said recent military gains have strengthened the possibility of a deal that protects strategic interests, suggesting that pressure on Iran is yielding results.
In Europe, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that the conflict could be prolonged, urging governments to prepare for long-term economic and energy challenges.
The impact of the conflict is already being felt globally. The aviation sector has suffered an estimated $53 billion in losses, with widespread flight disruptions across the Gulf region. At the same time, oil markets remain volatile, with Brent crude prices climbing back above $100 per barrel amid ongoing uncertainty.
In Tehran, a key leadership change has added another layer of complexity. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has been appointed as the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, a role central to shaping the country’s defense and strategic policies during this critical period.
For now, the situation remains fluid. While public statements differ sharply, the growing involvement of intermediaries and Pakistan’s emerging role as a potential host signal that diplomatic pathways, though uncertain, are actively being explored.
