Pakistan steps up as key mediator in US–Israel–Iran war, eyes Islamabad talks

ISLAMABAD (MNTV) – Pakistan has positioned itself at the forefront of mediation efforts to end the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, with top civilian and military leaders engaging both Washington and Tehran through direct and backchannel contacts.

According to reports by the Financial Times and Axios, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir recently held a call with Donald Trump, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has maintained multiple conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since the war began.

These engagements coincided with Trump’s announcement that he would delay planned strikes on Iran’s power infrastructure for five days, citing “productive” discussions aimed at ending hostilities. The pause helped ease global market fears, with oil prices dropping after days of volatility.

Pakistan is reportedly pushing to host direct talks in Islamabad, this week, between senior U.S. and Iranian officials.

A senior Iranian official has said the United States has requested a meeting on Saturday with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, according to Reuters.

Tehran has not yet responded, and the proposal is currently under review by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the country’s top decision-making body on security and foreign policy.

Proposed participants include U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf—a key figure in Tehran’s power structure.

While no formal negotiations have begun, sources say Pakistan, alongside Türkiye and Egypt, has been actively relaying messages between the two sides.

A possible call with Ghalibaf could determine whether face-to-face talks proceed.

Why Pakistan matters

Diplomats say Pakistan’s unique positioning has strengthened its credibility as a mediator:

• It maintains working ties with both Washington and Tehran
• It has avoided direct Iranian military retaliation, unlike some U.S. allies
• It has close relations with Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia
• It has a large Shia population, second only to Iran

This balance allows Islamabad to act as a relatively neutral channel at a time when traditional mediators like Oman and Qatar appear less active.

Pakistan has also framed its role publicly.

In a statement after Sharif’s latest call with Pezeshkian, Islamabad said it would continue “facilitating peace” through diplomatic outreach.

A senior Pakistani diplomat, speaking anonymously to Muslim Network TV, said Islamabad’s approach is “deliberately quiet but calculated.”

“Pakistan is not trying to replace traditional mediators like Oman or Qatar,” the diplomat said.

“It is positioning itself as a bridge at a moment when trust deficits are high and communication channels are fragmented.”

The diplomat added that Pakistan’s military-to-military contacts and political access to both sides give it an edge.

“What makes Pakistan relevant here is access. Washington listens to Rawalpindi, and Tehran does not see Islamabad as hostile. That combination is rare in this conflict.”

He added that Iran would feel reassured having its leadership talk in Islamabad, given that Israel is very unlikely to attempt an assassination or target Iranian officials on Pakistani soil.

Regional diplomacy intensifies

Pakistan’s efforts are part of a broader regional push. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has coordinated with Türkiye’s Hakan Fidan, while Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty has also engaged both sides, along with Qatar.

Despite this flurry of diplomacy, progress remains uncertain. Iranian officials have publicly denied any direct talks with the U.S., suggesting the messaging remains indirect and preliminary.

Trump has claimed that Iran is open to major concessions, including limiting nuclear activity and reopening the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly a fifth of global oil passes.

Tehran has rejected these claims.

Analysts caution that the mediation is still at an early stage. There is little indication either side is ready to compromise, and the war has already entered its fourth week.

Still, Pakistan’s active involvement marks a significant diplomatic moment.