Web Desk: Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to position itself as a key mediator in easing tensions between the United States and Iran, even as conflicting reports emerged about direct contacts between officials from Washington and Tehran, according to Financial Times and other media outlets.
The report said Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has stepped up engagement with key global actors as part of a broader push to defuse the crisis. He has held an important contact with U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling military-level involvement in parallel with diplomatic outreach.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reached out to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reflecting a coordinated civil-military approach aimed at reducing tensions.
According to the Financial Times, Islamabad is leveraging quiet, backchannel diplomacy to encourage dialogue between Washington and Tehran and to prevent further escalation.
Officials said the goal of these efforts is to create space for negotiations and avoid a broader regional conflict.
However, uncertainty persists over whether direct negotiations between U.S. and Iranian figures are underway. Several media outlets reported that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner had been in talks with Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, citing unnamed sources.
Shortly afterward, an account attributed to Ghalibaf on the social media platform X denied that any such negotiations had taken place with the United States.
The post described the reports as “fake news” intended to manipulate oil markets and added that the Iranian people were demanding “complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors.”
Despite the conflicting narratives, diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan and supported by regional actors continue to focus on preventing war and limiting further damage in an already volatile region.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether mediation efforts can translate into tangible progress or whether competing claims and rising mistrust will further complicate the path to de-escalation.
Pakistan is positioning itself as a key intermediary in efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran, with reports suggesting Islamabad could host talks between the two sides later this week.
Pakistan’s role as a mediator is rooted in its sustained engagement with Tehran and its working ties with Washington. Over the past year, Islamabad and Tehran have held multiple high-level interactions, reinforcing diplomatic channels that could support dialogue.
South Asia expert Michael Kugelman noted that Pakistan’s involvement should not be viewed as unusual, given its regional position and history of engagement with both countries. He added that U.S. officials have previously expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s willingness to facilitate discussions on Iran.
Pakistan also represents Iran’s diplomatic interests in the United States, a factor analysts say enhances its credibility as a go-between.
Despite speculation about its ties with Gulf allies, Kugelman said Pakistan is unlikely to be drawn into conflict. Instead, he emphasized that Islamabad, located close to any potential flashpoint, would prefer to support efforts aimed at de-escalation.
While no official confirmation of talks has been issued, Pakistan’s recent diplomatic push highlights its intent to help ease tensions and encourage negotiations at a critical moment.
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