ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is set to host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt from March 29 to 30 for high-level discussions focused on easing regional tensions amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.
Iran-US-Israel Conflict Escalates; Pakistan Plays “Pivotal Role” in Diplomacy
According to the Foreign Office, the meeting will take place at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The visiting dignitaries include Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Hakan Fidan, and Dr Badr Abdelatty.
The Foreign Office said the talks will include “in-depth discussions” on a wide range of regional and international issues, with a particular focus on promoting peace and de-escalation. The visiting ministers are also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their visit.
Officials noted that the meeting was originally planned in Turkey but was shifted to Islamabad due to Pakistan’s growing role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran. The change in venue has further fueled speculation that Islamabad may soon host direct talks between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan has increasingly taken centre stage in diplomatic efforts, working alongside Ankara and Cairo to mediate between the two sides. Ishaq Dar recently confirmed that indirect communication between the US and Iran is ongoing through messages relayed by Pakistan, with a 15-point US framework currently under Iranian consideration.
The four-country mechanism was formed earlier this month on the sidelines of a regional meeting in Riyadh, and has since evolved into a key diplomatic platform. Following those engagements, Egypt opened communication channels with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Pakistan intensified its mediation efforts.
Pakistan’s role has received international backing. António Guterres has expressed support for Islamabad’s peace efforts, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi endorsed Pakistan’s involvement and encouraged Iran to engage in negotiations. Similarly, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah has backed Pakistan’s mediation role.
The upcoming visit is expected to strengthen coordination among key regional players and could prove crucial in shaping diplomatic efforts to end the escalating conflict.
