PM Shehbaz thanks regional allies as Pakistan steps up push for US-Iran peace talks

-- Pakistan hosts key quadrilateral talks to defuse escalating US-Iran tensions

-- PM Shehbaz lauds Saudi, Turkish and Egyptian support for peace efforts

-- Islamabad offers to facilitate direct Washington-Tehran negotiations

-- Ceasefire prospects emerge as diplomatic momentum builds in region

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday thanked the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt following a key quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad, appreciating their confidence in Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, brought together top diplomats from the four countries as part of a coordinated push to de-escalate the month-long conflict between the United States and Iran, which has raised fears of wider regional fallout and disruption to global energy supplies.

In a post on X, the prime minister said it was a pleasure to receive Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, reaffirming Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity” with the Kingdom and commending Riyadh’s restraint during the ongoing crisis.

He also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Muslim world, stressing the need for unity among Islamic countries, and noted that both sides had agreed to maintain close coordination in pursuit of peace and stability.

Separately, PM Shehbaz welcomed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, underscoring the urgency of collective efforts to end hostilities that are causing significant loss of life and economic damage across Iran and other Muslim countries.

He praised the contributions of Turkiye and Egypt and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in bringing Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table.

“Grateful for their confidence in Pakistan’s sincere efforts for regional peace and stability,” the premier said.

According to the Foreign Office, the visiting foreign ministers departed Islamabad after the consultations concluded late Sunday night.

Pakistan also signalled its readiness to host direct talks between the United States and Iran in the coming days. Speaking after the meeting, Ishaq Dar said Islamabad would be “honoured” to facilitate meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement.

The diplomatic push comes as Pakistan intensifies engagement with Washington, Gulf capitals and other Muslim countries to create space for negotiations following the escalation triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation.

Originally planned in Turkiye, the quadrilateral meeting was shifted to Islamabad due to Dar’s central role in ongoing mediation efforts.

Diplomatic sources suggest that potential talks in Islamabad could take place as early as Tuesday, possibly involving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is also speculation that Washington may announce a ceasefire to coincide with dialogue, though officials caution that developments remain fluid.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has indicated that a direct US-Iran meeting in Pakistan could take place “very soon,” signalling growing international backing for Islamabad’s mediation efforts.