Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan has renewed its diplomatic efforts to mediate the ongoing war between the United States and Iran by inviting senior Iranian officials for talks. On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, inviting him to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. Separately, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq extended a similar invitation to Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, according to government sources.

It remains uncertain if or when the Iranian officials will travel to Islamabad. Experts caution that if Pakistan overpromises on its mediation capabilities, its long-term reputational capital could suffer. There is, however, a collective regional will among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Egypt to end the conflict swiftly, with recognition that all parties must contribute to the resolution.

Meanwhile, criticism has been directed at former US President Donald Trump for erratic and inconsistent statements regarding Iran, which some say are not effective negotiation tactics. The war remains unpopular in the US, with economic costs complicating the current administration's position, which is reportedly attempting damage control amid the conflict's ongoing challenges and failure to meet stated objectives.

Additional regional developments include Iran's ongoing negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, which are reportedly in the final stages, and announcements of new Iran negotiations starting under the US administration.

Sources