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Pakistan persists with US-Iran mediation despite setbacks

April 29, 2026
Representational image of Iran and US flags. —TheNews/File
Representational image of Iran and US flags. —TheNews/File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remains committed to its role as a mediator between the United States and Iran, with a top government source reaffirming that Islamabad “is and will continue making efforts for peace in the region”.

The statement comes amid challenges in reviving the stalled talks aimed at ending the two-month-old conflict, as indirect channels remain active.

“Pakistan is and will continue making efforts for peace in the region,” the senior official told The News on condition of anonymity due to the diplomatic sensitivity.

Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have been at the forefront of shuttle diplomacy, conveying messages between Washington and Tehran.

Pakistan’s mediation has already yielded a ceasefire earlier this month, which was extended following Pakistani appeals. However, hopes for a breakthrough were dampened when Iran demanded an end to the blockade of Strait of Hormuz by the US.

A source familiar with Islamabad’s role described its efforts as “ongoing and quiet,” with Pakistan continuing to bridge gaps even as direct engagement remains elusive. Iranian foreign minister visits to Islamabad over the weekend reportedly included new proposals passed to the US side through the Pakistani intermediaries.

The government source emphasised that Pakistan’s mediation is not about publicity but results. “We will keep working with both sides for as long as needed to achieve lasting peace,” another official source said.

As global attention turns to whether indirect channels can produce a breakthrough, Pakistani officials are expected to continue high-level coordination in the coming days, potentially setting the stage for renewed multilateral efforts.