News Desk Report : In a significant diplomatic breakthrough amid the fourth week of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Pakistan has positioned itself as the lead mediator, proposing Islamabad as the venue for high-stakes talks between senior figures from President Donald Trump's administration and Iranian officials. This development follows direct outreach by Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who spoke with Trump on Sunday, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held multiple conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to advocate for de-escalation. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has briefed Arab counterparts in Riyadh on Pakistan's pivotal role, highlighting backchannel communications involving Trump's envoys like Jared Kushner.

Pakistan's unique geopolitical leverage stems from its 900-km border with Iran, a significant Shia population, strong military ties with Tehran, and a warm rapport with the Trump White House, despite lacking US bases on its soil. Defence pacts with Saudi Arabia further bolster its neutral stance, allowing Islamabad to shuttle messages without direct involvement in the hostilities that erupted on February 28, 2026, with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Officials familiar with the discussions indicate talks could commence in the coming days, though Iran denies direct negotiations with Washington, crediting regional intermediaries like Pakistan.

The mediation push aligns with Trump's recent delay on threats to target Iran's power plants, following what he described as "productive" exchanges—claims Tehran has publicly rebutted. Pakistan's efforts extend beyond the US-Iran axis, including shuttle diplomacy with Saudi Arabia and condemnations of attacks by all parties, while grappling with domestic protests and an energy crisis exacerbated by the war. Two sources briefed on the matter confirmed senior Pakistani officials are facilitating communications between Tehran and Trump's inner circle, positioning Islamabad as a viable neutral ground over traditional mediators like Oman and Qatar, whose initiatives have stalled.

Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Gulf states are also relaying messages, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pushing for a ceasefire through discussions with US envoys. However, diplomats caution that these are preliminary backchannels, not formal processes, with slim chances of an immediate truce given entrenched positions: Iran asserts survival leverage, while Trump navigates pressures from Israel and allies. Pakistan's military dominance in foreign policy underscores the initiative, though critics question its foundation amid Trump's shifting narratives.

Pakistan's proactive stance not only aims to avert a wider regional catastrophe but also enhances its global diplomatic profile amid its own conflicts, such as with Afghanistan. As the world watches, Islamabad's mediation could redefine Middle East peace dynamics in 2026. The White House remains tight-lipped, labeling discussions "sensitive."