Dar says US, Iran express trust in Pakistan to broker talks as Pakistan leads high-stakes diplomacy

• FM Ishaq Dar says Islamabad ready to host ‘meaningful’ US-Iran negotiations after quadrilateral moot backs Pakistan’s initiative to end US-Israeli war on Iran

• Says Islamabad actively engaged with regional and global partners to help bring the conflict to an end

• Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt endorse de-escalation, structured dialogue to bring peace

• ‘War benefits none,’ leaders warn, stress unity of Muslim Ummah with Wang Yi, UN chief extend full support to peace push

• Islamabad emerges as key diplomatic hub amid spiraling Middle East crisis

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday said both the United States and Iran had expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate talks aimed at ending the ongoing United States-Israeli war on Iran, following “very productive consultations” among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt amid the rapidly escalating Middle East conflict.

Speaking in a televised address after a high-level quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad, attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, Dar described the consultations as “candid, constructive and focused on exploring pathways to de-escalation.”

“As you know, the purpose of this visit of the foreign ministers was to participate in the second meeting of consultations among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, which was held today in Islamabad. You may recall that our first meeting was held in Riyadh on March 19, 2026,” he said

#Live: Deputy Prime Minister @MIshaqDar50 is talking to media in Islamabad https://t.co/hKU6NJY1dT

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) March 29, 2026

Sharing details, Dar said the four foreign ministers held an in-depth discussion on the evolving regional situation and deliberated on “possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region.”

He noted that all participants expressed deep concern over the devastating human and economic toll of the conflict. “We agreed that this war is not in favour of anyone and would only lead to death and destruction. The unity of the Muslim Ummah in these challenging times is of utmost importance,” he added.

Dar said he also briefed the visiting dignitaries on the prospects of potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. “The visiting foreign ministers expressed their fullest support to this initiative,” he said, adding that the participants reaffirmed unity to contain the situation, reduce risks of further military escalation, and create conditions for structured negotiations.

“The foreign ministers advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable pathway to prevent conflict and promote regional peace and harmony. They also called for upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” he said.

He further said the four countries agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation and decided to constitute a committee comprising senior officials from their respective foreign ministries to work out modalities for future coordination through consensus.

Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, Dar said the country had remained actively engaged with regional and global partners under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to help bring the conflict to an end.

He underscored Pakistan’s “very important relationship” with the United States, noting that Islamabad had maintained close engagement with US leadership as part of its de-escalation efforts. “Pakistan is very happy that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate the talks,” he said.

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Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister /Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Conclusion of 2nd Meeting of Four Foreign Ministers

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JpUbUdhzLb

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

“Pakistan will be honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in the coming days for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict,” he added.

Dar also revealed that he had held a detailed telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who conveyed Beijing’s full support for Pakistan’s initiative. He added that the Secretary-General of the United Nations had also expressed full backing for Islamabad’s peace efforts.

“I have also held several telephone conversations with my counterparts from different countries around the world. They have all extended their full support and confidence in our efforts,” Dar said, adding that there was broad international appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative.

He stressed that Pakistan would continue its efforts with sincerity and commitment, while calling for prayers and global support to ensure the success of its peace initiative aimed at achieving a permanent end to the conflict.

Quadrilateral consultations gain momentum

Convened at Dar’s invitation, the quadrilateral meeting reviewed the evolving regional situation and discussed issues of mutual interest, according to the Foreign Office.

The Consultations among the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt have commenced in Islamabad on 29 March 2026.

Convened at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, the Foreign Ministers during… pic.twitter.com/5capTCXUNO

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

In a post on X, Dar said he was pleased to welcome the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt to Islamabad, describing their presence as a reflection of strong fraternal ties at a critical moment. He said the discussions focused on advancing peace and stability while deepening cooperation across multiple domains.

The quadrilateral mechanism is increasingly being viewed as a key diplomatic track complementing broader international efforts to end the conflict. It aims to consolidate regional support for de-escalation, align positions ahead of any potential US-Iran negotiations, and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders.

Although neither Washington nor Tehran participated in the meeting, it is widely seen as a preparatory step toward a broader diplomatic opening.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Islamabad on Saturday night, while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud reached the capital on Sunday afternoon.

Security was tightened across Islamabad, with several roads leading to the Red Zone sealed, while the Foreign Ministry premises were adorned with the flags of the participating countries, reflecting the significance of the high-level diplomatic engagement.

Meeting with Turkish FM

Before the quadrilateral moot, Dar also held separate meetings with his counterparts from Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

He and Türkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in their meeting at the FO ahead of the larger talks, “reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Türkiye across all sectors of mutual interest”, according to an FO press release.

At the opening of the Quadrilateral Consultations in Islamabad on 29 March 2026, the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt pose for a family photo. pic.twitter.com/sENSsvUdOU

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

During the meeting, Dar “underscored the historic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual respect”.

The deputy premier expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations.

Deputy PM/FM Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met Türkiye FM Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan in Islamabad. Both leaders reaffirmed strong Pakistan–Türkiye ties, discussed regional developments incl. Iran, and stressed dialogue, de-escalation, diplomacy & coordination for peace and stability. pic.twitter.com/oAsQ0Tk5O8

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

“The discussions provided an opportunity to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for strengthening the longstanding strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries,” the FO statement read.

FM of Türkiye Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan arrived at MoFA Islamabad today and was received by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50. The two leaders will hold bilateral consultations on all issues of mutual interest including regional… pic.twitter.com/ylrXFYSaqQ

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

“The two leaders also exchanged views on recent regional developments, including the evolving situation in Iran, and emphasised the importance of dialogue and sustained diplomatic engagement to promote peace and stability,” it added.

Both sides reaffirmed their “unwavering support for each other’s core national interests, agreed to maintain close coordination, and to continue working together to deepen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye”, the FO noted.

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Meeting Between Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan and Foreign Minister of Türkiye

🔗⬇️https://t.co/byRQJtKXU0 pic.twitter.com/qcfwG6IUFQ

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

Meeting with Egypt FM Abdelatty

Prior to the discussions with the Turkish FM, Dar held a separate meeting with Egyptian FM Dr Badr Abdelatty, with the two reaffirming their countries’ “commitment to further strengthening cooperation across all domains”, the FO said in a press release.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and His Excellency Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, held productive discussions on Pakistan-Egypt bilateral relations, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening ties,… pic.twitter.com/wbN80CgtYQ

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

Abdelatty’s visit is regarded as a “follow-up to recent high-level contacts between the two sides”, including discussions held in Riyadh earlier this month, as well as the Egyptian FM’s Pakistan trip in Nov 2025, during which he met with Dar, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The FO said the meetings reflect the “close coordination between Pakistan and Egypt on evolving regional developments”.

As both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, they expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of defence and security cooperation, agreeing to further strengthen collaboration through training exchanges and other institutional mechanisms, the FO said.

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Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Meets Egyptian Foreign Minister to Further Deepen Bilateral Ties

🔗⬇️https://t.co/aETxKWC84O pic.twitter.com/lLjbmOXrkl

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

They stressed the need to enhance bilateral trade and investment, with agreement on the importance of activating bilateral mechanisms, including a Joint Ministerial Commission, and promoting business-to-business linkages.

Dar “appreciated Egypt’s continued support in the health sector, particularly in combating Hepatitis-C, and welcomed ongoing collaboration in this area”, the statement further said.

Discussing the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the two sides “underscored the need for restraint, de-escalation, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy”, the FO said.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was received by Deputy Prime Minister/Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The two sides will hold bilateral consultations on regional developments and matters of… pic.twitter.com/SMQiTVyeoZ

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

Both sides were satisfied with the positive momentum generated through recent high-level exchanges.

Dar had welcomed his Egyptian counterpart at the MoFA and “reaffirmed that Pakistan attaches great importance to its longstanding and brotherly relations with Egypt, anchored in shared history, common faith, and a convergence of views on regional and international issues”.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and strongly condemned the continued aggression by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza and the West Bank.

He appreciated Egypt’s role in facilitating humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, including support extended to Pakistan’s relief efforts.

Both sides agreed to continue “close coordination” at multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

 “The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Egypt to further strengthen their close and brotherly relations and to deepen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest,” the FO observed.

Meeting with Saudi FM

Dar also held a separate meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the FO said, adding that the two leaders held detailed discussions on the evolving regional and international developments.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud @FaisalbinFarhan , Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during latter’s visit to Pakistan for consultations on efforts aimed at de-escalation… pic.twitter.com/rkqGZRax7H

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

“They underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and collective efforts to promote peace, security and stability in the region,” according to the FO.

It further stated that the two sides reaffirmed “their commitment for closer engagement” and agreed to continue working together at bilateral and multilateral levels to further strengthen cooperation and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud @FaisalbinFarhan , Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The two sides will engage in comprehensive… pic.twitter.com/W4weMUmkT9

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 29, 2026

 Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach for peace

Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic outreach as it attempts to de-escalate Middle East hostilities sparked by the United States and Israel’s strikes on Iran on February 28, which have engulfed the entire region as Tehran continues its retaliatory attacks.

Islamabad has been engaging Washington, Gulf capitals and other Muslim countries in an effort to create space for talks.

The quadrilateral meeting was initially planned to be held in Turkiye, but at the last moment it was shifted to Islamabad due to Dar’s inability to travel because of his involvement in Pakistani efforts to facilitate the US-Iran talks.

A diplomatic source said talks in Islamabad could take place around Tuesday, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Another diplomat closely following the talks said there is an expectation that Washington could announce a ceasefire to coincide with the start of dialogue, in line with Tehran’s demand for confidence-building measures. However, the diplomatic source cautioned that all this remained subject to how events would unfold over the next 48 hours.

Germany’s FM Johann Wadephul on Friday claimed that a direct US-Iran meeting would take place in Pakistan “very soon”.