UK, Turkiye back Pakistan's mediation role in US-Iran talks

ISLAMABAD: High Commissioner of United Kingdom Ms Jane Marriott on Wednesday commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, the two sides discussed evolving regional dynamics, with Dar reiterating Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means for peaceful conflict resolution.

The British envoy acknowledged and supported Pakistan’s facilitative role in bringing Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table, the statement added.

Separately, Dar also held a conversation with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, during which both leaders exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving disputes.

Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has drawn significant international recognition in recent days, as the country positioned itself at the centre of mediation efforts during the escalating US-Iran-Israel tensions. Senior officials and influential voices from more than ten countries — including Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and Uzbekistan — have publicly acknowledged Islamabad’s role.

Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply polarised positions between Washington and Tehran.

Following 40 days of airstrikes, US and Iranian negotiators initiated talks in Islamabad earlier this month after a two-week ceasefire brokered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The ceasefire was later extended after US President Donald Trump announced its continuation at the request of the Pakistani leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.

During the latest round of talks in Islamabad, the US reportedly proposed a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear activities, while Iran suggested a shorter pause of three to five years, according to sources familiar with the discussions.