ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan has called for a “permanent termination” of the US-Israeli war on Iran, urging both Washington and Tehran to demonstrate flexibility as diplomatic efforts move closer to a potential agreement.
Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad’s objective goes beyond extending the current ceasefire, focusing instead on securing a durable and comprehensive end to the conflict, reports Turkish news agency Anadolu,
Pakistan wants a “permanent termination” of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday, calling on Washington and Tehran to “show flexibility.”
Pakistan has been actively mediating between the United States and Iran since the war began on February 28, hosting the highest-level talks between the two sides since they severed diplomatic ties in 1979.
At #ADF2026, DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50 addressed the panel “Trading Trust: The Future of Economic Integration and Stability in South Asia,” noting that despite vast economic potential, the region remains one of the least economically integrated due to a deficit of trust.
He emphasized… pic.twitter.com/uXjVrB9knP
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 17, 2026
Islamabad’s “objective is not ceasefire extension. Our main objective is the permanent termination of war,” Dar said, stressing the need for a formal agreement between the parties.
Providing an update on the progress of negotiations, Dar expressed confidence that a breakthrough could be within reach.
About Pakistan’s ongoing mediation, Dar said: “More than 80% of the work has been done. And a couple of things are (remaining)… both parties have to show flexibility.”
His remarks come at a critical moment in the conflict, as diplomatic momentum builds alongside developments on the ground.
Tehran on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for commercial shipping for the first time since the war began, a move seen as a significant confidence-building measure.
Pakistan had earlier secured a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, helping stabilise a situation that had severely disrupted global energy supplies and maritime traffic.
The strategic waterway had been restricted by Iran following the launch of US and Israeli military operations on February 28, raising concerns over global oil flows and supply chains.
Pakistan has continued high-level engagement with regional stakeholders, including recent meetings in Tehran between Army Chief General Asim Munir and Iran’s top civil and military leadership, aimed at sustaining dialogue and narrowing differences.
Pakistan’s role as a mediator has drawn increasing international attention, with officials and analysts noting its ability to maintain communication with both sides and facilitate talks at a time of heightened tensions.
As negotiations continue, Islamabad has positioned itself at the centre of diplomatic efforts to transform the fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement, with Dar reiterating that flexibility from both sides will be key to ending the conflict permanently.
