Islamabad: Iran has praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a detailed one-hour telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday.
According to Pakistani sources, the two leaders discussed the current regional situation and ways to bring an end to the hostilities between Iran, the United States and Israel. President Pezeshkian reportedly thanked Pakistan for its proactive role in facilitating communication between the conflicting parties.
Pakistan has been playing a key back-channel role in recent weeks, shuttling proposals and messages between Washington and Tehran. Senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, have publicly stated that Islamabad is ready to host direct talks if both sides show willingness.
The conversation comes as Pakistan simultaneously prepares to host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt for in-depth consultations on regional de-escalation. Analysts believe these parallel diplomatic moves reflect Pakistan’s balanced approach — maintaining strong ties with brotherly Muslim countries while working towards peace and stability in the wider region.
The conflict has already caused serious economic challenges for Pakistan, including sharp increases in global oil prices and concerns over energy security.
