Pakistan in diplomatic overdrive

CDF Field Marshal Munir holds discussions with Iranian leadership in Tehran PM, Saudi crown prince discuss region

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan has mounted an unprecedented diplomatic push ahead of a potential second and possibly decisive round of negotiations between Iran and the United States, with its top civilian and military leadership fanning out across key regional capitals to build momentum for a breakthrough.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as part of a multi-country visit, while Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir undertook a surprise trip to Tehran, moves seen as part of a coordinated effort to lay the groundwork for the next phase of talks.

The flurry of engagements underscores Islamabad's growing role as a mediator in one of the most volatile geopolitical crises, as it seeks to convert a fragile ceasefire into a structured peace process.

Field Marshal Munir, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other senior officials, was received in Tehran by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon arrival.

According to officials familiar with the process, Field Marshal Munir has emerged as a central figure in Pakistan's diplomatic initiative, maintaining backchannel contacts with both Washington and Tehran and helping build a degree of trust between the two adversaries.

Iranian officials signalled the importance of the visit. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, in his weekly briefing, confirmed that multiple messages exchanged between Iran and the United States were being conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries following the Islamabad talks.

"Message exchanges continue," Baqaei said, adding that since the Iranian delegation returned from Islamabad, "multiple messages have been exchanged through the Pakistani intermediary."

In Washington, the White House said on Wednesday that the United States is discussing holding a second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal.

"Those discussions are being had," and "we feel good about the prospects of a deal", Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that further talks "would very likely" be in Islamabad.

Commenting on reports regarding a US request for an extension of the ceasefire, Leavitt called them "bad reporting", saying they were not true at this time.

"We remain very engaged in these negotiations, in these talks. You heard from the vice president directly and the president this week that these conversations are productive, and that's where we are right now," she said.

The press secretary also hailed Pakistan and its leadership for their role in the mediation.

"I just want to make one point that is important to the president: Pakistan has been an incredible mediator throughout this process, and we really appreciate their friendship and their efforts to bring this deal to a close. They are the only mediators in these negotiations," she said.

She added that many countries had offered to help, but President Trump believed it was important to "continue and streamline communication" through Pakistan.

A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Munir's visit aimed "to narrow gaps" between Tehran and Washington, an indication that Pakistan is now deeply embedded in shaping the contours of any future agreement.

The latest diplomatic push comes after nearly 21 hours of intense negotiations in Islamabad between US and Iranian officials ended without agreement.

Iran presented a ten-point proposal during those talks, calling for the withdrawal of US forces, lifting of sanctions, and recognition of its sovereignty over strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran citing a lack of trust and what it described as excessive US demands.

Despite the impasse, both sides have kept communication channels open through Pakistan, raising cautious optimism that a second round could yield progress.

On the nuclear issue, Iran indicated limited flexibility. Baqaei noted that while uranium enrichment remains a longstanding point of contention, "there is room for discussion on the type and level of enrichment", while insisting that Iran must retain enrichment capability based on its national needs.

Iranian state-linked media suggested that Tehran would decide on participation in the next round of talks after consultations with the visiting Pakistani delegation.

Reports also pointed to a recent ceasefire understanding involving Lebanon as a "positive signal" for future negotiations, though Iran has stressed that Washington must adopt a "reasonable framework" and avoid derailing talks through maximalist demands.

While US officials have indicated interest in continuing dialogue, no date has yet been finalised for the next round.

In parallel, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Saudi Arabia is being viewed as a critical component of Pakistan's broader diplomatic calculus.

During his stay in Jeddah, the prime minister met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi leaders and discussed regional security and ongoing efforts to stabilise the Middle East.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the discussions focused not only on bilateral ties but also on "regional peace and security", reflecting Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in any sustainable de-escalation framework.

Shehbaz is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials.

His broader itinerary includes visits to Qatar and Türkiye, where he will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and engage with global leaders to rally support for Pakistan's mediation efforts.

Pakistan's intensified diplomacy follows its role in brokering a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which created space for the first round of mediated talks in Islamabad.

The conflict, triggered by escalating hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and regional actors, had threatened to spiral into a wider war, prompting Islamabad to step in as a neutral facilitator.

Officials say Pakistan's approach has been to maintain balanced engagement with all stakeholders while leveraging its credibility to bridge divides.

The latest coordinated outreach combining military-level engagement in Tehran and political diplomacy in Gulf capitals suggests Islamabad is attempting to align regional actors ahead of the next round.

With tensions still simmering and trust deficits deep, the success of the next round of talks will depend heavily on whether Pakistan can help both sides agree on a workable framework.

For now, the signals remain mixed but the intensity of Pakistan's diplomatic activity indicates a determination to push the process forward.

If successful, the effort could mark a rare diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that has long defied resolution and significantly elevate Pakistan's standing on the global stage.