Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Thursday that Pakistan is actively facilitating indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran by relaying diplomatic messages between the two nations.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Dar dismissed “unnecessary speculation” regarding Middle East peace efforts, clarifying that the US has submitted a 15-point proposal which is currently being deliberated upon by Tehran.
He noted that regional partners, including Turkiye and Egypt, are also supporting the initiative. Dar emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability.
There has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks to end ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan. In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 26, 2026
Dar’s announcement follows a confirmation from Iranian officials that Pakistan had passed on a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
While the official text of the 15-point plan has not been released, reports suggest the terms include Iran halting nuclear weapons development, limiting its missile programme, and ending support for Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
In exchange, the plan reportedly offers the lifting of international sanctions and global assistance for Iran’s civilian nuclear energy organisation.
However, the diplomatic process faces significant hurdles. Iran’s state-run Press TV reported a “negative” response from Tehran, quoting an official who stated that Iran would not allow US President Donald Trump to dictate the timing of the war’s end.
Tehran has reportedly outlined five specific conditions for a settlement, including a total halt to “aggression and assassinations,” the payment of war reparations, and international recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Conversely, Reuters cited an unnamed Iranian official suggesting that the proposal is still under review and has not been rejected outright.
In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the ongoing talks as “productive,” claiming that Tehran is seeking an “exit ramp” as its military capabilities are “dwindling” under “Operation Epic Fury.”
While Leavitt disputed the total accuracy of the reported 15-point plan, she acknowledged it contained “elements of truth.”
Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 24, 2026
The diplomatic flurry follows a statement by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who declared that Pakistan is “honoured” and ready to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” for a comprehensive settlement.
This offer was subsequently shared by President Trump on his Truth Social platform, where he earlier claimed Iranian negotiators were “begging” for a deal and urged them to “get serious” before it is too late.
