The BRICS TimesPakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi as Islamabad cements its role as a key diplomatic bridge. Tehran confirmed receiving Washington’s response to its 14-point peace proposal via Pakistan, while Trump said US-Iran talks are going “very positive.”
Pakistan Steps Up as a Regional Mediator
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar reached out to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday night and the call carried serious weight. The two top diplomats discussed the fast-changing regional situation and talked about how peace could still be achieved through sustained dialogue. The exchange comes at a time when the Middle East remains on edge and Islamabad is quietly emerging as a trusted go-between.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the call in an official statement on Monday. The discussion centred on the latest regional developments. It also focused on Islamabad’s active diplomatic role in reducing tensions between concerned parties.
Iran Praises Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts
During the call, Araghchi acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive engagement with all sides. He appreciated Islamabad’s sincere mediation efforts recognising that Pakistan had been working hard to bring parties closer to a resolution. Dar, in turn, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to dialogue as the only meaningful path forward.
“Both sides agreed to remain in close contact on the evolving situation,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry noted.
The two leaders emphasised that diplomacy not force must drive the road to lasting peace and regional stability.
Trump Says US-Iran Talks Are Heading Somewhere Good
This diplomatic flurry coincides with fresh signals from Washington. US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that his representatives are actively engaged in “very positive” discussions with Iran. He signalled that a breakthrough could be within reach if both sides stay at the table.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all.”
However, Trump also made clear that he remains unsatisfied with what Tehran has put on the table so far. He said, “The Iranians want to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied with what they’ve offered.” He added there are “things I can’t agree to” without spelling out the specifics.
Iran Confirms US Response Received Via Pakistan
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed a significant development Washington’s formal response to Tehran’s proposal had arrived through Pakistani channels. Speaking to Iranian state broadcaster SNN TV, Baghaei said: “The United States’ view on Tehran’s proposal via Pakistan has reached Iran.”
He added that the response is currently under review and that Iran’s reply would be shared only after finalisation.
Iran’s 14-Point Plan What It Actually Says
Baghaei was careful to explain what Iran’s proposal actually contains. He stressed that Tehran’s “14-point plan” is focused entirely on ending the regional conflict and has nothing to do with nuclear issues.
“Our 14-point plan exclusively focuses on ending the war and contains no issues related to the nuclear domain,” Baghaei said clearly during the interview.
He also outlined the basic framework an initial halt to hostilities, followed by a 30-day period to examine the finer details. On the question of guarantees, Baghaei said Iran’s confidence does not come from trusting the other party but from its own “internal power and levers.”
Iran Pushes Back on Strait of Hormuz Claims
Baghaei also directly dismissed reports suggesting that Iran’s proposal involved mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. He called such claims completely baseless.
“The claim of mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz by the United States is fundamentally not part of our plan. These claims are fabricated and concocted by certain media outlets,” he said firmly.
Tehran also doubled down on its refusal to negotiate under pressure. The Iranian spokesperson made clear that: “Iran rejects negotiations under ultimatum and deadline.”
Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Ties Add Another Layer
Pakistan’s diplomatic positioning goes well beyond just the Iran-US track. Islamabad holds a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia a deal signed last year which states that any attack on one country is an attack on both. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Munir recently visited Riyadh and met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directly.
At the same time, Pakistan condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and extended formal congratulations to his son and successor, Mojtaba. This balancing act underlines just how delicately Islamabad is threading the needle in a deeply divided region.
A Peace Summit Could Be Next
The diplomatic momentum is building toward something larger. Israeli official sources told Axios that a peace summit in Islamabad potentially including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf could be on the horizon this week.
Prime Minister Sharif has also spoken directly with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian multiple times promising Pakistan’s help in reaching a lasting peace settlement. “Pakistan is committed to playing a constructive role in advancing peace,” Sharif stated publicly.
For now, all eyes remain on Islamabad the unlikely capital that may just broker one of the region’s most consequential diplomatic moments.
