ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Sunday that both Washington and Tehran have expressed “confidence” in Pakistan’s ability to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing war. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, who have formed a regional bloc to push for an immediate de-escalation.
While the “Islamabad Track” is now official, the nature of the talks remains fluid, with experts predicting a “shuttle diplomacy” model rather than face-to-face negotiations.
The Logistics: “Shuttle” Diplomacy in the Capital
Because Tehran has repeatedly refused to sit in the same room as U.S. officials during active hostilities, the talks are expected to follow a specific structure:
- Indirect Format: Pakistani officials will act as intermediaries, shuttling between U.S. and Iranian delegations located in separate high-security venues in Islamabad.
- The “Vance Factor”: To build trust, Pakistan has reportedly suggested that U.S. Vice President JD Vance—seen as more skeptical of Middle Eastern entanglements than other hawks—lead the American side.
- Security Escort: Pakistan has offered to use its Air Force to provide a secure escort for Iranian officials flying into the country.
Competing Frameworks: 15 Points vs. 5 Points
The primary challenge for Pakistani mediators is bridging two vastly different visions for peace:
- The U.S. “Action List”: A 15-point plan delivered by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, demanding strict new nuclear limits and the total reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Iranian 5-Point Plan: Tehran’s counter-proposal, which reportedly demands war reparations, a cessation of assassinations against its officials, and the formal recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait.
Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)
As a gesture of goodwill toward the Pakistani mediators, Iran has already begun to ease the maritime “toll booth” regime it established in early March:
- Shipping Relief: Late Saturday, Tehran agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz per day.
- Communication Lines: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have maintained direct lines to both President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to ensure the talks remain viable.
Regional Stakes and “Spoilers”
The AP report highlights that while the regional “Quad” (Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia) is united, the greatest risk to the talks is Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has signaled that his military operations against Iran will continue regardless of diplomatic developments in Islamabad.
| Key Player | Role / Stance |
| Ishaq Dar (Pakistan) | Chief Mediator; leveraging ties with both West and East. |
| JD Vance (U.S. – Rumored) | Potential lead negotiator; preferred by Tehran for his “skepticism.” |
| Masoud Pezeshkian (Iran) | Welcomed the initiative but remains wary of “U.S. deception.” |
| Hakan Fidan (Turkey) | Pushing for a “guarantor system” to ensure any deal sticks. |
