Pakistan gains international recognition for role in Middle East peace efforts
Foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt during moot in Islamabad on March 29. Photo: X/MOFA
Pakistan’s leadership has received international recognition for its role in facilitating peace efforts in the Middle East, particularly in advancing US President Donald Trump’s 15-point plan for regional stability.
US Representative Ryan Zinke, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, praised Pakistan’s initiative in a post on X, stating: “As a member of @HouseForeignGOP, I applaud Pakistan’s leadership and initiative in hosting peace talks and delivering President Trump’s 15-point plan for peace in the Middle East. Bravo Zulu.”
As a member of @HouseForeignGOP, I applaud Pakistan’s leadership and initiative in hosting peace talks and delivering President Trump’s 15-point plan for peace in the Middle East. Bravo Zulu.
In a related statement, US lawmaker Jack Bergman, Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, highlighted Islamabad’s pivotal role, noting that “strong partnerships and decisive action are key to lasting stability.”
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, I commend Pakistan’s leadership for stepping up to help advance President Trump’s vision for peace in the Middle East. Strong partnerships and decisive action are key to lasting stability. https://t.co/2Jn73rODMp
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam also welcomed Islamabad’s efforts, describing them as a “friendly & brotherly initiative to stop the US-Israeli aggression against Iran and restore peace and stability to the region.” He added that further details regarding the talks would be shared in subsequent posts.
While appreciating the initiative and good will and good office by the friendly & brotherly country of Pakistan to stop the US-sraeli aggression against Iran and restore peace and stability to the region, I have some few points that I will make in some threads here on.
The praise from both US and Iranian officials underscores Pakistan’s growing profile as a diplomatic mediator in regional conflicts, reflecting its commitment to international peace efforts and its strategic influence in South and West Asia.
The Financial Times recently detailed Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, noting how it positioned itself between Washington and Tehran to help bridge differences during escalating tensions.
The conflict began following coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, reportedly including the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US targets.
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One major flashpoint has been the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor between Oman and the UAE through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. In response to the 2026 hostilities, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they could target vessels transiting the strait, raising concerns over global energy security.
Pakistan has since assumed a prominent diplomatic role in efforts to de-escalate the crisis, positioning Islamabad as a venue and facilitator for potential talks between the United States and Iran.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan would be “honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks” between Tehran and Washington in the coming days, following a quadrilateral meeting with Saudi, Turkish and Egyptian foreign ministers in the federal capital.
The meeting reflected a broader regional consensus on dialogue as the only viable path to ending hostilities, with participants supporting structured negotiations and the reopening of key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz to ensure regional stability.
Meanwhile, Dar arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a one-day official visit to discuss the situation in Iran and review bilateral relations.
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Pakistan’s outreach signals a coordinated effort to leverage its longstanding ties with both Iran and Western countries to create conditions for peace, even as direct negotiations between the major powers remain limited.
Beijing has also publicly commended Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described China and Pakistan as “all-weather strategic partners” and urged both Tehran and Washington to pursue peace talks “as soon as possible,” acknowledging Islamabad’s role in easing tensions.
Nonetheless, Tehran’s official position remains cautious; Iran’s foreign ministry has at times denied active negotiations with the US, even as back‑channel communications and proposals are relayed through intermediaries. Pakistan’s bid to mediate highlights Islamabad’s strategic pivot toward proactive diplomacy, aiming to foster dialogue amid one of the most serious regional crises in recent decades.