ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that indirect talks between the United States and Iran are ongoing through messages relayed by Islamabad, amid growing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East.
“There has been unnecessary speculation in the media… In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan,” Dar said in a post on X, adding that Washington had shared a 15-point proposal now under consideration by Tehran.
He said countries including Turkiye and Egypt were also supporting the diplomatic initiative, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
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
“Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond,” Dar said, adding that “dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward.”
The confirmation comes as backchannel diplomacy gathers pace alongside ongoing military tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
Multiple diplomatic tracks are underway, with Pakistan emerging as a key intermediary. Officials have indicated that talks could be held in Islamabad in the coming days, further advancing indirect engagement.
Despite these developments, Iran has publicly denied that formal negotiations are taking place. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that exchanges through “friendly countries” do not constitute talks.
According to officials and analysts cited by The Washington Post, Tehran’s position is partly driven by internal pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which opposes overt compromise at this stage.
A senior Iranian official, cited by Reuters, said Iran is still reviewing the US proposal delivered via Pakistan, signalling that discussions remain active behind the scenes.
Pakistani officials told Reuters they are awaiting a formal response from Tehran following follow-up contacts with Araghchi.
The proposal, according to The Washington Post, includes sanctions relief in exchange for Iran relinquishing enriched uranium, halting enrichment, curbing its missile programme, and ending support for regional groups.
The developments highlight the delicate balance between escalating military tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a pathway toward de-escalation.
