Pakistan reiterates call for dialogue, confirms continued mediation role between US and Iran

Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, Pakistan has reaffirmed its stance calling for dialogue to de-escalate conflicts in the region. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in a post on the X platform yesterday. He urged “continuous communication to address shared regional and international challenges and mitigate their economic and social repercussions.” He also affirmed that his country, which has played a mediating role for months and remains engaged between the American and Iranian sides, “will continue to work closely with Turkey and all friendly nations to advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity.” Ishaq Dar clarified that he held a series of separate bilateral talks with his counterparts from the “Regional Quartet” (comprising Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey) and the “Troika” of European countries (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom). The foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan, members of the R4 group, alongside the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, discussed the US-Iran conflict, the Yemen file, and Houthi militia attacks, as well as the safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab strait, and the Black Sea, during a meeting in Istanbul the day before yesterday. They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing contributions to diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing peace and stability in the region and beyond, and addressing the security, economic, and commercial repercussions stemming from these issues.