Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability on Saturday, ahead of a pivotal quadrilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Islamabad on March 30, 2026. The talks will involve Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, focusing on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.
During a late-night call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed that "dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable path to lasting peace." Dar urged an immediate halt to hostilities and emphasized Pakistan's role as a mediator in ongoing U.S.-Iran indirect negotiations facilitated through regional partners.
In a significant confidence-building measure, Dar announced Iran has agreed to permit 20 additional Pakistani-flagged ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz—a critical waterway previously deemed effectively blocked. Two vessels will now pass daily, a move Dar called "a harbinger of peace" that could ease global energy supply concerns.
The diplomatic push follows heightened tensions after U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran in late February 2026, which triggered retaliatory strikes. Analysts note parallels to the 2025 "12-day war," when similar negotiations collapsed amid surprise attacks.
Regional observers highlight Pakistan's growing role as a neutral broker, with Türkiye and Egypt supporting backchannel efforts. However, challenges persist as Iranian officials continue to question U.S. intentions in negotiations.
