R-4 nations back swift US–Iran peace deal at Cairo talks, urge durable regional stability

• FMs from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt welcome diplomatic momentum on US–Iran negotiations

• Foreign ministers stress need for ‘lasting, verifiable and mutually acceptable’ settlement

• 4^th meeting of R-4 in Cairo focuses on regional stability, energy security and global trade routes

• Leaders reaffirm centrality of Palestine issue for lasting Middle East peace

• R-4 mechanism continues coordination on de-escalation and regional cooperation

 ISLAMABAD/CAIRO: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye on Sunday welcomed the diplomatic momentum surrounding a United States-Iran peace process, urging a “swift” conclusion of negotiations for a “lasting, verifiable and mutually acceptable” settlement to outstanding issues, as the foreign ministers of the four countries met in Cairo to discuss regional developments and the evolving US-Iran dialogue.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt held talks in Cairo focused on implementation of the US-Iran understanding aimed at de-escalating tensions that have threatened regional stability, energy markets, international maritime routes, global supply chains and broader international trade.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 participated in the 4th Meeting of the Regional Four (R-4) Foreign Ministers (of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt) in Cairo, Egypt today.

The Ministers reviewed progress on the Islamabad MoU,… pic.twitter.com/PL9nKLz6US

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 21, 2026

The FO said the ministers stressed that building on the positive diplomatic momentum, priority should be given to achieving a swift and successful conclusion of the next phase of negotiations, which seeks a durable, verifiable and mutually acceptable resolution of remaining issues.

US and Iranian negotiators were meanwhile engaged in talks in Switzerland on Sunday on their interim arrangement to move toward a permanent settlement, with Pakistani and Qatari mediators also present for technical-level discussions on the conflict, which began in late February.

Ahead of the talks, reports indicated that Tehran had closed the Strait of Hormuz amid continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The interim understanding between Washington and Tehran is aimed at halting hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, and reportedly includes provisions on the unfreezing of Iranian assets.

The R-4 Ministerial meeting commenced in Cairo, Egypt, in a restricted format where the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan @MIshaqDar59, Egypt @MFAEgypt, Saudi Arabia @FaisalbinFarhan, and Türkiye @HakanFidan, discussed regional developments, implementation of the Islamabad MoU, and… pic.twitter.com/z4Jw71hYYr

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 21, 2026

The FO said the ministers underlined that all diplomatic efforts must take into account the concerns of regional countries, particularly regarding the security and stability of the Gulf Arab states as well as the Levant, with the aim of strengthening collective security and promoting long-term regional stability.

The conflict, which escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has previously seen disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian retaliatory actions against Israeli and US-linked interests, and heightened tensions across the Gulf region.

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Joint Statement: Fourth Consultative Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkiye, Cairo Arab Republic of Egypt - June 21,2026

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 21, 2026

The interim US-Iran arrangement is designed to pave the way for a permanent end to hostilities and establishes a 60-day framework for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, while also allowing Iran to resume oil exports under eased restrictions. It also reaffirms commitments related to Lebanon’s territorial integrity amid ongoing hostilities involving Hezbollah.

The FO statement came as Qatar confirmed the launch of talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland aimed at a durable end to the Middle East conflict. Qatar’s foreign ministry announced the “Lake Lucerne Summit” and the first meeting of a high-level committee involving the United States, Iran, and the mediating states of Qatar and Pakistan.

It expressed hope that the discussions would lead to a comprehensive and lasting agreement covering all elements of the memorandum of understanding signed earlier this week.

The Cairo meeting marked another session of the R-4 framework, established by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan in March as a platform for coordination on regional crises and de-escalation efforts. The group has been regularly meeting since its formation to address political, security and economic developments across the region.

 Centrality of Palestine issue in regional peace

Reaffirming the centrality of the Palestine issue to Middle East stability, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye stressed that the Palestinian question remains at the heart of efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region and is a key pillar for a stable and secure regional order.

The FO said particular attention was given to the humanitarian and political situation in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.

The ministers reiterated support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The statement came a day after Israeli strikes in Gaza reportedly killed at least six people, including two children and a cameraman with Al Jazeera, according to Palestinian health officials.

Despite an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Gaza has continued to witness near-daily strikes that have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The war in Gaza, which began following the October 2023 attacks by Hamas, has killed 73,018 Palestinians, including those killed after the ceasefire period, according to the same source.

 R-4 foreign ministers discuss regional coordination and US-Iran diplomacy

Earlier, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt met in Cairo to discuss regional developments and the US-Iran peace process, the Foreign Office said.

The FO said the meeting, held in a restricted format, focused on regional developments, implementation of the Islamabad MoU and priority areas of cooperation, reaffirming commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and regional ownership of shared challenges.

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Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 Visit to Cairo the Arab Republic of Egypt to Participate in the R4 Ministerial Meeting, 20-21 June, 2026

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/qbNPlxDjb6

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 21, 2026

The ministers also reviewed coordination efforts under the R-4 mechanism, which was launched in March to intensify consultations aimed at de-escalation and regional stability.

“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt continue to deepen cooperation for a more peaceful, stable and connected region,” the FO said.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to hold bilateral consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and is also expected to call on President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The discussions will focus on expanding Pakistan-Egypt cooperation across multiple sectors and exchanging views on regional and international developments, according to the FO.