ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday intensified its diplomatic outreach on the evolving United States-Iran situation, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar leading a series of high-level engagements aimed at sustaining dialogue and preventing further escalation. During a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker, Dar urged both Washington and Tehran to extend their ongoing two-week ceasefire, stressing that continued restraint was essential to create space for meaningful negotiations. Reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent stance, he emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable pathways to address complex regional challenges and achieve durable peace. He highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between the two sides, noting that uninterrupted communication was key to de-escalation and confidence-building. Dar underscored the fragility of the current truce and called for its extension, warning that a premature end to the ceasefire could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. He reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to facilitate dialogue, positioning Islamabad as a constructive intermediary committed to regional stability. In response, Baker conveyed Washington’s appreciation for Pakistan’s proactive role in promoting peace and facilitating diplomatic engagement. As part of his broader diplomatic engagements, Dar also met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, with discussions focusing on regional developments and the evolving security environment. The Chinese side reiterated its support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue and stability, while both sides emphasised the importance of coordinated diplomatic initiatives to defuse tensions. Ishaq Dar also held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during which the two leaders discussed the latest regional developments and underscored the importance of dialogue and engagement for achieving lasting peace and stability. The Saudi foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s support for Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts in this regard, while both sides agreed to remain in close contact as part of coordinated efforts to promote regional stability. Separately, the DPM held consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, exchanging views on the regional situation and the need for collective efforts to maintain peace. Both sides underscored the importance of diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and adherence to international norms in addressing ongoing challenges, the Foreign Office said. The diplomatic activity comes as uncertainty persisted over Iran’s participation in the next round of talks expected in Islamabad. Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan was still awaiting a formal response from Tehran regarding the confirmation of its delegation. He noted that Pakistan, acting as a mediator, is in constant contact with Iranian authorities and continues efforts to persuade Tehran to join the talks. Tarar emphasised that these efforts are ongoing and reflect Islamabad’s commitment to a peaceful resolution. Highlighting the urgency, he said the ceasefire was set to expire at 4:50 am PST on April 22, making Iran’s decision on participation before the end of the truce critically important. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s mediation efforts are gaining momentum as US Vice President JD Vance prepares to visit Islamabad, leading a high-level delegation for the anticipated negotiations. The visit comes at a pivotal moment, with the conflict between Washington and Tehran now entering its eighth week. Despite cautious optimism, recent escalatory developments have complicated the diplomatic landscape. Iran has maintained that it is not prepared to return to talks under pressure, while tensions have been further heightened by maritime incidents involving Iranian-linked vessels, which Tehran has termed ceasefire violations. Analysts say key issues, including sanctions, oil exports, and uranium enrichment, remain unresolved, with both sides holding firm positions. The Strait of Hormuz continues to serve as a strategic leverage point, further complicating negotiations. Against this backdrop, Pakistan continues to play a crucial role as a diplomatic bridge between the two sides. Observers note that Islamabad’s ties with both Washington and Tehran place it in a unique position to facilitate dialogue and help shape any potential agreement. As the ceasefire deadline approaches, uncertainty remains over Iran’s participation in the Islamabad talks. While no formal confirmation has been received, officials suggest that a last-minute breakthrough remains possible.
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday intensified its diplomatic outreach on the evolving United States-Iran situation, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar leading a series of high-level engagements aimed at sustaining dialogue and preventing further escalation. Du…
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International mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, according to a senior Iranian official cited in reports. The measure is described as intended to reduce hostilities and allow renewed talks on a prior interim agreement.
Both sides are assessing next steps in the current regional security situation.
Reports indicate that a US-Iran ceasefire has broken down amid renewed fighting, with the potential impact of mediation efforts by Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman remaining unclear. Earlier diplomatic steps included a June memorandum of understanding between the parties for further negotiations and talks hosted in Geneva in February.
The summary also references Europe’s historical role in diplomacy, including the 1814-15 Congress of Vienna.
Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that his representatives had spoken with Iranian officials an hour earlier and that those officials wanted to make a deal to end the conflict, though he noted they had broken prior agreements and expressed uncertainty about whether one would be reached.
He added that people do not want to die and that Iran would need to proceed carefully to avoid further losses. The remarks come amid an ongoing US-Iran conflict that has involved casualties and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with some social media users criticizing the repetition of similar statements.
Why the Iran-US ceasefire is falling apart Iran and the US have resumed fighting because they don’t see each other as ‘reliable negotiating partners’, says analyst Ali Vaez. Neither Iran nor the United States seems able to deliver a “knockout blow at an acceptable price” to the other side, and both know “they have no choice other than engaging in diplomacy”, but they’re not ready to make uncomfortable concessions, argues Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at International Crisis Group.
Vaez tells host Steve Clemons that Tehran and Washington are trying to “enforce their own interpretation” of the ceasefire agreement they signed last month. President Trump has become “frustrated” with diplomacy because he’s not seeing “the kind of quick results that he likes to see”, Vaez says.