Backchannel diplomacy and delayed strikes highlight Pakistan’s rising mediation role
Dubai: As the US-Israel war on Iran enters its fourth week, Pakistan is rapidly positioning itself as a central diplomatic player, with officials and international reports pointing to Islamabad’s growing role as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran in efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict.
A coordinated push involving Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt has already yielded early results, with US President Donald Trump announcing a limited, five-day pause in planned strikes on Iran’s energy and power infrastructure. While fighting continues on multiple fronts, the delay is being seen as the first tangible outcome of intensified backchannel diplomacy.
Diplomatic activity has accelerated behind the scenes as the conflict risks spiralling into a broader regional war, particularly around critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan has emerged as one of a small group of countries relaying messages between the United States and Iran, at a time when direct engagement remains politically constrained for both sides.
Senior Pakistani leadership has been in active contact with both capitals. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the need for de-escalation and a return to dialogue. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reportedly spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday around the time the US announced its decision to defer strikes.
At the same time, indirect exchanges have been taking place between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt acting as intermediaries conveying positions between the two sides.
Pause in escalation: The US has delayed strikes on key Iranian infrastructure, describing recent talks as “productive” but still preliminary.
Indirect diplomacy: There is no confirmed direct contact between Washington and Tehran; all communication is being routed through intermediaries.
Pakistan’s expanding role: Islamabad has been delivering messages between both sides for some time, but its engagement has intensified as the conflict nears critical escalation points.
Possible talks in Islamabad: Reports suggest Pakistan could host high-level talks later this week, potentially involving US Vice President JD Vance and senior Iranian leadership, though this remains unconfirmed. However, the White House did not confirm it.
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