Pakistan: 'U.S.-Iran talks within days'…also to discuss how to manage the Strait of Hormuz

Pakistan to directly mediate between the U.S. and Iran

U.S. and Iran also 'trust' Pakistan’s mediation

Pakistan has said it will mediate direct talks between the United States and Iran. Observers say Islamabad is moving in earnest to craft a diplomatic off-ramp to end the war, as the protracted conflict in the Middle East is compounded by the risk of a shutdown of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Turkey’s state-run news agency Anadolu Agency and others on the 29th (local time), Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he would host and mediate “meaningful talks (between the United States and Iran in the coming days).”

In a video statement issued after a four-nation foreign ministers’ meeting held in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, Dar said he would “consider it an honor” if mediating U.S.-Iran talks could help “resolve the ongoing conflict comprehensively and sustainably.”

Both the United States and Iran were also said to have expressed confidence in Pakistan’s mediation. Dar also briefed the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia—who attended the meeting—on the outlook for U.S.-Iran talks.

“We discussed possible ways to end the war swiftly and permanently,” Dar said, adding that they agreed “this war benefits no one and only leads to death and destruction.” The four foreign ministers were also reported to have concurred that the only “viable” solution to the war is “dialogue and diplomacy.”

Pakistan also underscored its ties with the United States. Dar noted that Pakistan maintains a very important relationship with the U.S., and stressed that the two countries have been actively communicating to prevent further deterioration and find a peaceful resolution to the war. He added that China fully supports Pakistan’s proposal to facilitate talks between the U.S. and Iran.

“All friendly countries are expressing deep appreciation and support for Pakistan’s efforts,” Dar said, adding, “We will continue our efforts with sincerity and dedication.”

Even if talks take place, however, reaching an agreement is expected to be difficult. Iran is putting forward war reparations, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and a U.S. withdrawal from the Middle East as key demands. The U.S., meanwhile, is demanding the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program and limits on missile range, leaving a wide gap between the two sides.

Earlier in the day, Dar met in Islamabad with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss ways to end the war.

One of the meeting’s key agenda items was the Strait of Hormuz. Since the war began, Iran has effectively blocked passage through the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s largest crude oil shipping lane—deepening supply disruptions.

The participating countries reportedly offered Washington a range of proposals to restore normal maritime logistics. These were said to include introducing tolls similar to the Suez Canal and a model of joint management of the strait’s operations.

Among them, a plan under which a consortium involving Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia would manage the strait is seen as the most likely scenario. The proposal calls for the consortium to administer the strait and guarantee vessel passage.

Kim Dae-young, Hankyung.com reporter kdy@hankyung.com