In a potential diplomatic breakthrough, mediating nations are reportedly working to convene high-level talks in Islamabad as early as this week in a bid to ease tensions in the Middle East, an Axios reporter stated on Monday citing sources.
According to an Israeli official, Barak Ravid wrote on his X account, the proposed summit would bring together a powerful US delegation, including US Special Envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff, Advisor to US President Jared Kushner, and possibly Vice President JD Vance, to meet with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other senior officials from Tehran.
Ravid also shared a link of his related story on the regional development in this regard.
The development comes as Pakistan is positioning itself as the lead mediator trying to broker an end to the US’s and Israel’s war against Iran, as reported by the Financial Times on Monday.
Citing two people briefed on the call, the FT reported that Pakistani army chief Asim Munir spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday.
Reuters shared the report saying it could not immediately verify it.
As per the global affairs correspondent for Axios, Turkiye, Egypt, and Pakistan have emerged as the primary intermediaries between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
According to a US source, the three nations have spent the last 48 hours facilitating intense back-channel messaging aimed at de-escalating regional hostilities, Barak Ravid wrote on his X account, sharing a link of his related story on the regional development.
Senior officials from Ankara, Cairo, and Islamabad have reportedly held separate, high-stakes talks with White House Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the source said.
“The mediation is ongoing and making progress,” a US source confirmed. “The discussions are focused on a comprehensive resolution: ending the current conflict and addressing all outstanding strategic issues. We expect concrete answers shortly.”
In a significant sign of cooling tensions, US President Donald Trump announced he has suspended plans for a military strike against Iran’s power infrastructure. The president cites “tangible progress” in negotiations regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy artery, and a broader framework to end the war.
PM Shehbaz assures Pezeshkian of playing ‘constructive role’
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured Iranian leadership that Pakistan would continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace in the region.
He made the remarks during his telephonic conversation with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian today.
The prime minister shared with the Iranian president the diplomatic outreach efforts of Pakistan’s leadership.
Shehbaz conveyed his serious concern over the ongoing dangerous hostilities in the Gulf region.
In view of this grave situation, PM Shehbaz underscored the urgent need to work collectively for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy amongst all the neighbouring countries to settle their differences.
He stressed the critical importance of unity in the ranks of the Ummah, saying it is required more than ever before.
The premier conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the brave Iranian people in the wake of the ongoing hostilities. He expressed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives and prayed for early recovery and safety of those injured and displaced.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held a telephone conversation this evening with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi.
They discussed recent regional developments. DPM/FM emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact on the evolving situation.
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