Islamabad emerges as potential venue for talks as Pakistan pitches to mediate in US-Iran war
PTC News Desk: As the world reels under the grave consequences of ongoing war in the Middle East, Pakistan has not moved to position itself as mediator to broker peace between Iran and its foes, the United States and Israel.
According to the reports, Pakistan has offered to mediate owing to its strong military ties with Iran and warm relationship with the US. The report further states that Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt are working behind the closed doors to bring both the sides on the negotiating table.
A senior Israeli official said "contacts are underway" to organise a meeting in Islamabad involving senior US and Iranian figures, indicating that US Vice-President JD Vance could represent Washington at the talks.
Meanwhile Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian and offered Islamabad's efforts aimed at restoring peace in the region. Notably, both the nations have been in the contact for over a month, including exchanges during Ramadan and Eid and doubled down on hopes for an end to the ongoing conflict.
Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also reportedly spoke both with the Iranian President and the US President Donald Trump.
Not to mention, earlier on Monday, Trump had imposed a temporary pause over military strikes on Iran for five days, signalling a strong shift in the ongoing situation in the Middle East with potential talks being held with Iran.
Trump has indicated that talks are advancing. "We have had very, very strong talks we have major points of agreement," he said, adding that a deal could be within reach. At the same time, he confirmed that military action had been paused for five days to allow space for diplomacy. "We’re doing a five-day period, and we’ll see how that goes. If it goes well, we’re going to end up settling this. Otherwise, we’ll just keep bombing our little hearts out," he said.
Iran however rejected the claims and denied holding any talks with the US.
- With inputs from agencies
