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Pakistan Offers to Host US-Iran Talks Amid Gulf Conflict, Malaysia Backs Initiative
Pakistan offers to host US-Iran talks to de-escalate Gulf tensions; Iran reportedly sets conditions, while Malaysia supports Islamabad’s “timely & constructive” initiative.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-25
Pakistan Offers to Host US-Iran Talks Amid Gulf Conflict, Malaysia Backs Initiative

Pakistan has stepped forward to offer its capital, Islamabad, as a potential venue for negotiations between the United States and Iran to end the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, according to senior sources. The move follows Pakistan’s delivery of a US proposal to Tehran, with Turkiye also under consideration as an alternative location.

While Iranian officials initially indicated openness to diplomacy, Tehran ultimately responded negatively to the proposal and outlined five conditions under which it would agree to de-escalate the conflict. The specifics of the US proposal relayed by Pakistan remain undisclosed, though media reports suggest it includes halting Iran’s uranium enrichment, curbing its missile program, ending regional funding to allies, and other security measures.

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, confirmed that no direct or indirect talks between Washington and Tehran have taken place. He noted that “friendly countries are always engaged in consultations with both sides to end this illegitimate aggression.”

Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, welcomed Pakistan’s offer on X, describing it as “timely and constructive” and highlighting Islamabad’s credibility in the Muslim world. He emphasised that any negotiations should reflect genuine intent to end the conflict, respect Iran’s sovereignty, and avoid drawing Gulf civilians and infrastructure further into hostilities.

The diplomatic initiative from Islamabad follows extensive backchannel contacts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has communicated with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian multiple times, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani civil and military officials also coordinated with Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and US officials, reflecting Islamabad’s active mediation efforts.

The initiative underscores Pakistan’s long-standing diplomatic role in mediating regional conflicts, recalling its historical involvement in US-China talks, Afghan Taliban negotiations, and Iran-Saudi de-escalation efforts.

While Tehran’s response shows conditions remain challenging, Malaysia and other regional partners have expressed cautious optimism, highlighting the potential for Islamabad to create a space for meaningful diplomacy in one of the most volatile regions of the world.
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