ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday exchanged views on the evolving regional situation amid the ongoing war involving the US, Israel and Iran.
During the telephone conversation, Dar underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Deputy PM Dar also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives, including three Pakistani nationals, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the UAE.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
DPM/FM Senator @MIshaqDar50 spoke with UAE’s DPM/FM H.H. Sheikh @ABZayed.
They exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. DPM/FM underscored the importance of peace and stability, calling for immediate de-escalation and emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the… pic.twitter.com/jOdR7SCqzo
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 24, 2026
Pakistan ready to host US-Iran talks
Earlier today, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad stands ready to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the United States and Iran to help end the ongoing conflict.
PM Sharif said that Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the Middle East war, in the interest of peace and stability in the region and beyond.
“Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict,” PM Sharif said in a statement posted on X.
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
Meanwhile, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to resolving the ongoing Middle East conflict through diplomatic engagement, amid continuing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan’s position remained consistent with its longstanding policy of supporting peaceful resolution through diplomatic means and engagements. The spokesperson added that certain matters should be advanced with discretion.
“Diplomacy and negotiations often require that certain matters be advanced with discretion,” the spokesperson said.
He urged the media to avoid speculation and wait for official announcements on any developments. “The media is therefore encouraged to refrain from speculation and to await official announcements regarding decisions and outcomes.”
According to international media reports, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict through diplomacy and prevent further escalation.
Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts
On Monday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
During the telephone conversation, Dar stressed the importance of dialogue to promote peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond, the Foreign Office statement said.
The two leaders discussed recent regional developments. They also agreed to remain in close contact on the evolving situation.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation this evening with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi.
They discussed recent regional developments. DPM/FM emphasized the importance of dialogue &… pic.twitter.com/iFQPLO58Fn
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 23, 2026
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said there is a “real possibility” of reaching a deal with Iran and that Tehran is eager to secure an agreement, while reiterating that any failure in negotiations would lead to continued military action.
According to official sources, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have been passing messages between the US and Iran over the past two days in an effort to de-escalate.
Senior officials from the three countries held separate talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian FM Araghchi, sources said.
They say mediation efforts are ongoing and showing progress, focusing on ending the conflict and resolving all outstanding issues between the two sides.
Iran confirms receiving US proposals for talks
Meanwhile, Iran confirmed that it has received proposals from the US for potential talks.
According to Reuters, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that messages outlining potential negotiations had been received through intermediaries.
He added that no formal negotiations are currently underway.
This acknowledgement marks a departure from earlier denials and indicates that indirect diplomatic channels remain active and positive outcomes have started to appear.
Diplomatic bridge in US-Iran conflict
According to a report by the Financial Times, Pakistan has emerged as a potential diplomatic bridge in the US-Iran conflict.
Officials familiar with the discussions, cited by the Financial Times, said that Islamabad has proposed hosting talks between senior US and Iranian figures, possibly as early as this week.
The initiative is being driven by Pakistan’s unique position — maintaining ties with Tehran while also enjoying a working relationship with Donald Trump.
Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reportedly held a conversation with Trump on Sunday, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday.
Global diplomatic activities
The diplomatic outreach coincided with Trump announcing a temporary pause in threats to strike Iran’s power plants, citing “very good and productive” conversations aimed at ending the war.
However, the White House declined to provide details, stating that sensitive negotiations would not be conducted through the media.
Other regional players are also actively engaged. Turkiye has been in contact with both Iranian officials and US envoy Steve Witkoff, while Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.
Egypt and Qatar have also joined the diplomatic push, reflecting a broader regional effort to de-escalate tensions.
