The BRICS TimesPakistan’s US logistics and security team is already on the ground in Islamabad. Paksitan’s FM Dar holds a phone call with Iran’s FM Araghchi to push dialogue. Iran’s foreign minister praises Pakistan’s vital peacemaking role.
Pakistan Hosts a New Diplomatic Push as US and Iran Head to Islamabad
Both the United States and Iran are set to send delegations to Pakistan for a second round of high-stakes peace talks. The teams are expected to travel to Islamabad on Friday. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is among those expected to arrive in the capital by night. A US logistics and security team has already reached Islamabad ahead of the upcoming talks. This development is a result of intensive behind-the-scenes efforts by Pakistan’s mediation team.
Pakistan’s FM Dar Pushes for Dialogue to Keep Diplomacy Alive
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the importance of continued engagement between the two rivals. He made these remarks during a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi. The two leaders discussed the ongoing US-Iran ceasefire and the latest diplomatic moves by Islamabad. Dar called dialogue essential for ensuring long-term regional peace and stability. During the call, the two also reviewed the broader diplomatic efforts Pakistan is leading. Araghchi praised Pakistan’s steady and constructive role in bringing the two sides together.
How the Crisis Unfolded: From Hormuz to Islamabad
The path to these talks has been turbulent. Tehran shut down the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28. Along with closing Hormuz, Iran also struck Israeli targets and US military bases in the Middle East. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif then stepped in and brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8. He also hosted the first round of direct talks in Islamabad on April 11. Those talks ended without any permanent agreement on ending the conflict.
US Blockade and Iran’s Response Added to Tensions
After the inconclusive first round of talks, US President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iran briefly reopened Hormuz on April 17, pointing to a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire deal. However, it closed the strait again the very next day due to the US blockade of Iranian maritime trade. Tehran called the blockade an act of war. Despite the escalating hostilities, Islamabad kept working to bring both sides back to the table.
Trump Extends Ceasefire at Pakistan’s Request
Just hours before the ceasefire was set to expire on April 22, Trump announced an extension of the truce. He said he was holding off on any military action pending an Iranian proposal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was acting at Pakistan’s request. He wanted Iran’s leaders to come up with what he called “a unified proposal” before any further action.
