FM Dar urges US-Iran to consider ceasefire extension in talks with American envoy

Chinese envoy also expresses Beijing's full support for Islamabad's diplomatic efforts in meeting with FM Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday stressed that the United States and Iran should consider extending the ceasefire and give diplomacy a chance during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker.

According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on X, both discussed recent regional developments.

"FM Dar emphasising Pakistan’s consistent focus on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability," it said.

The statement also mentioned that "FM Dar stressed the need for engagement between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to consider extending the ceasefire and to give diplomacy a chance."

The statement noted that Natalie conveyed the US's appreciation for Pakistan’s "constructive and positive role" in promoting regional peace and facilitating dialogue.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today. Discussions covered recent regional developments.

DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only… pic.twitter.com/1Roqj3R1gE

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 21, 2026

Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong expressed Beijing’s full support for Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating engagement between the United States and Iran during a meeting with FM Dar.

The ministry on X said, Zaidong discussed regional developments and conveyed China’s “full support for and appreciation of Pakistan’s continued efforts to facilitate engagement between the US and Iran for sustained peace and stability in the region and beyond.”

The statement said discussions also focused on the latest regional situation. Dar reaffirmed the Pakistan–China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”, underlining the strength of bilateral ties.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today.

Discussions focused on latest regional developments. Amb Zaidong conveyed China’s full support for and appreciation of Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/3HpLNmPFc3

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 21, 2026

"He also emphasised the importance of continued high-level exchanges between the two countries," it added.

Earlier, FM Dar also held a telephone conversation with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss the latest regional developments.

According to MOFA, both ministers “emphasised the importance of dialogue and engagement for peace and stability” during their discussion.

It added that the two sides agreed to remain in close contact as part of ongoing diplomatic coordination on regional issues.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty @BadrAbdelatty to discuss the latest regional developments.

Both emphasized the importance of dialogue and engagement for peace and… pic.twitter.com/GVkQGcNQWf

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 21, 2026

FM Dar has received unprecedented international recognition for his diplomatic leadership, as Pakistan positioned itself at the centre of high-stakes mediation efforts during the escalating Iran-US-Israel crisis.

Over the past week, senior officials and influential voices from more than ten countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the US, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan, have publicly acknowledged Dar's role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations.

Read: Trump sends negotiators for Islamabad Round 2

Pakistan emerged as a central facilitator in the sensitive diplomatic track, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply polarised positions between Washington and Tehran.

After 40 days of airstrikes, US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Islamabad earlier this month, again focused on the familiar trade‑off of nuclear restrictions for economic relief.

When American and Iranian negotiators met last weekend in Islamabad, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity, while Iran suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals.

The second round of talks has yet to formally begin in Islamabad, while Pakistan has further ramped up efforts for a successful deal. However, there are still hurdles in the negotiations, with issues persisting on both sides.