Ishaq Dar confirms Pakistan mediating US-Iran backchannel talks

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday confirmed that Pakistan is playing a key role in facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement on social media, Dar dismissed speculation surrounding formal peace negotiations, clarifying that “indirect talks” are underway through messages being relayed by Pakistan. He revealed that Washington had shared a 15-point proposal, which is currently under consideration by Tehran.

Dar noted that other regional players, including Turkiye and Egypt, are also supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward.

The development comes as Donald Trump claimed that Iranian negotiators were “begging” for a deal, warning that time was running out for diplomacy. His remarks contrasted with Tehran’s official stance, which has publicly rejected claims of direct negotiations.

Iranian officials have acknowledged receiving a US proposal via Pakistan, reportedly centred on curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, limiting its regional influence, and ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a secure global shipping route. In return, the plan is said to offer sanctions relief and international cooperation on civilian nuclear energy.

However, Iranian state media indicated that Tehran had responded negatively to the proposal, insisting it would not accept externally imposed timelines for ending the conflict. Iranian officials outlined key conditions for any agreement, including a halt to hostilities, guarantees against future aggression, compensation for war damages, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the initial response, reports suggest Iran has not entirely rejected the proposal and continues to review it. Meanwhile, the White House has maintained that discussions are ongoing, with officials describing them as “productive” while cautioning that details circulating in the media may not fully reflect the actual framework.

The backchannel diplomacy follows Pakistan’s broader push to position itself as a mediator. A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered Islamabad as a venue for direct talks between US and Iranian officials — a proposal that drew international attention after being shared by Trump on his platform.

Analysts say Pakistan’s involvement highlights its growing diplomatic engagement in the crisis, as it seeks to balance regional relationships while contributing to efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in an already volatile Middle East.