Dar engages Gulf, Middle East counterparts to push de-escalation, dialogue

• FM Dar holds separate calls with his counterparts from Bahrain, Egypt, and Iran

• Islamabad, Cairo discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts, underscoring importance of dialogue and de-escalation

• Deputy PM Dar, Bahrain’s FM exchange views on multilateral efforts, including at UNSC and Pakistan–China five-point initiative

• FM Araghchi expresses gratitude to Pakistan for its mediation efforts, stressing Tehran ‘never refused to go to Islamabad’ for talks

• DPM lauds clarification by his ‘dear brother Araghchi,’ reaffirms Pakistan will continue to engage all key stakeholders constructively

• Efforts ongoing to arrange direct US–Iran dialogue; Strait of Hormuz key focus

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations with his counterparts from Bahrain, Egypt, and Iran on Saturday, discussing bilateral ties, the evolving regional situation, and efforts for de-escalation in the Gulf and Middle East, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

In a statement on X, the FO said that Dar spoke with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty.

They discussed the latest regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts, underscoring the importance of… pic.twitter.com/mPE8KxE6XW

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 4, 2026

The two leaders discussed the latest regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts, underscoring the importance of dialogue and de-escalation. Both agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest.

 Separately, Dar held a call with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, during which he highlighted the Pakistan–China five-point initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region. The two leaders also exchanged views on multilateral efforts, including at the United Nations Security Council, and agreed to maintain close coordination.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with the Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The two leaders discussed the latest regional situation.

DPM/FM underscored the… pic.twitter.com/8JfSOPFRkN

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 4, 2026

“FM Dar underscored the urgent need for de-escalation and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy,” the FO statement said. “Al Zayani appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for dialogue and diplomacy towards regional peace and stability.”

Pakistan has actively positioned itself as a neutral facilitator amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, offering Islamabad as a venue for dialogue. The initiative reflects Islamabad’s broader effort to de-escalate regional tensions, particularly following heightened hostilities triggered by US and Israeli strikes against Iranian targets.

  Araghchi expresses gratitude to Pakistan

Earlier on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its mediation efforts amid the ongoing US-Israel war, stressing that Tehran had “never refused to go to Islamabad” for talks.

Iran's position is being misrepresented by U.S. media.

We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us.

پاکستان زنده باد pic.twitter.com/AUjBQxOFyA

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 4, 2026

Posting on X, he said Iran’s position was being misrepresented by sections of US media, adding, “What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us.”

 Dar welcomes clarification by his ‘dear brother Araghchi’

Reacting to this, DPM Dar welcomed the clarification by his “dear brother Araghchi,” reaffirming that Pakistan will continue to engage all key stakeholders constructively, strengthening its reputation as an honest broker in international diplomacy.

Truly appreciate your clarification, my Dear Brother @Araghchi. 🇵🇰 🤝 🇮🇷 https://t.co/reptX11LQa

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 4, 2026

A day earlier, Dar had also held a candid conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. The two leaders reviewed fraternal Pakistan–Saudi relations and discussed ongoing coordination on regional developments, the FO said.

 Hectic diplomacy and backchannel efforts continue

Backchannel efforts to arrange direct talks between the United States and Iran remain underway, despite earlier attempts to convene a high-level meeting in Islamabad that could not materialise, sources familiar with the matter said.

Pakistan quietly facilitated preparations for a possible engagement involving a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and senior Iranian representatives. The proposed meeting, to be held in Islamabad, was viewed as a potential opening for de-escalation amid heightened regional tensions.

However, despite advanced preparations on multiple occasions in recent days, the meetings were postponed at the last minute as both sides required additional time for internal consultations. “Efforts are ongoing, and there is still willingness to explore diplomatic options,” one source noted, adding that the situation remains fluid given broader regional dynamics.

These peace efforts follow talks hosted by Pakistan on March 29 with Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, aimed at brokering an end to the Iran war. Initial discussions focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, sources said.

Foreign ministers from the three regional powers had arrived in Islamabad last week for consultations as Iran warned the US against launching a ground attack, with global oil prices surging amid continued fighting between Iran, the US, and Israel. Proposals floated during the talks were tied to maritime traffic and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, sources told Reuters, as part of wider efforts to stabilise shipping flows.

A day prior to these talks, DPM/FM Dar had also spoken with FM Araghchi, urging diplomacy and dialogue as the sole path to peace.