Islamabad/Washington: Pakistan is emerging as a key mediator in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, according to a report by the Financial Times. The South Asian country has been facilitating back-channel diplomacy aimed at de-escalating the conflict, which has already claimed more than 2,000 lives and disrupted global markets.
High-Level Engagements
Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reportedly spoke directly with US President Donald Trump on Sunday. Senior Pakistani officials have also been relaying messages between Tehran and US intermediaries, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These efforts are seen as a significant factor behind Trump’s recent decision to postpone military strikes on Iranian power plants by five days.
The US president described discussions over the past two days as “VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE,” signaling optimism for a “COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST.”
Lahore: March 23, 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, today.
The Prime Minister extended Eid ul Fitr and Nowruz greetings to the Iranian President, and the… pic.twitter.com/y2WFuYmMjr
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) March 23, 2026
Regional Diplomacy and Coordination
Over the past 48 hours, Pakistan, in close coordination with Turkey and Egypt, has played a pivotal role in back-channel communications, aiming to prevent further escalation and maintain regional stability. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his administration maintained strategic contact with both global and regional leaders, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation.
PM Shehbaz also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging the importance of diplomacy and dialogue among neighboring countries. He expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with “the brave Iranian people in the wake of the ongoing hostilities,” highlighting Islamabad’s humanitarian as well as strategic concerns.
International Recognition
Analysts note that Pakistan’s coordinated diplomacy reflects a growing trend among regional powers to prioritize negotiation and reconciliation. The country’s balanced foreign policy has earned international recognition for maintaining constructive relations with all key stakeholders while reducing volatility in South Asia and the Middle East.
🚨Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have been passing messages between the U.S. and Iran over the past two days in an effort to de-escalate, U.S. source says
🚨Senior officials from the three countries held separate talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign… https://t.co/4ZEFMt1ruq— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) March 23, 2026
Global media outlets, including Axios and Arab News, report that these mediation efforts are contributing to progress toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Pakistan’s proactive engagement underscores its increasing role as a responsible regional actor, working to defuse tensions while supporting multilateral diplomacy.
With the war now in its fourth week, Pakistan’s initiatives may prove critical in preventing further bloodshed, stabilizing the region, and supporting international efforts to restore peace.
