Antalya, April 2026: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday called for a “permanent termination” of the ongoing US–Iran conflict, urging both Washington and Tehran to demonstrate flexibility as Pakistan continues its mediation efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace agreement.
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Addressing a high-level session of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, the foreign minister said Pakistan’s objective goes beyond a temporary ceasefire, emphasizing that Islamabad is working toward a comprehensive and durable settlement between the two sides.
“Our objective is not ceasefire extension. Our main objective is the permanent termination of war and an agreement between the parties,” Ishaq Dar said, highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with both Washington and Tehran since the conflict began on February 28.
He further revealed that significant progress has already been made in backchannel diplomacy. “More than 80% of the work has been done, and only a couple of issues remain. Both parties now need to show flexibility,” he added.
Pakistan has played a central mediating role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, hosting high-level discussions aimed at restoring communication between the two countries, which severed diplomatic ties in 1979. Islamabad has also been actively engaged in broader regional peace efforts amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
FM Dar’s remarks came as Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been reopened for commercial shipping, easing a key global energy chokepoint that had been disrupted since the outbreak of hostilities. The development was seen as a potential positive signal for de-escalation efforts in the region.
The foreign minister noted that Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative aims to create conditions for long-term stability rather than short-term fixes, stressing that sustained dialogue is the only viable path toward resolving deep-rooted regional conflicts.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan’s mediation has included hosting direct and indirect talks between US and Iranian representatives, alongside coordination with other regional stakeholders. Islamabad has consistently called for restraint and a negotiated political solution to prevent further escalation.
FM Dar reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating peace efforts, adding that regional stability is essential not only for the Middle East but also for global economic security and energy markets.
