Amid intensifying conflict and inflammatory rhetoric shaking the Middle East, a less visible effort is unfolding—one rooted in discreet diplomacy rather than open confrontation.
Pakistan, positioned centrally at the heart of the Middle East and South Asia connectivity with close proximity to key maritime shipping routes, has now emerged as a key intermediary in a sensitive communication channel between Washington and Tehran.
The talks were first revealed by President Donald Trump on Monday.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar dismissed “unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks,” clarifying the actual situation.
Dar confirmed that “in reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan.”
There has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks to end ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan. In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 26, 2026
He further revealed that “the United States has shared 15 points, being deliberated upon by Iran,” indicating that structured proposals are already under discussion between the two sides.
The Pakistanis Foreign Office statement suggests that despite public tensions, both countries are exploring diplomatic options through backchannels.
Expanding on the diplomatic effort, Dar noted that “brotherly countries of Turkiye and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative,” highlighting a broader regional facilitation role (Foreign Office briefing).
He reaffirmed that “Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond,” while stressing that “dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward”.
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This aligns with earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had already signaled indirect engagement with Iran.
Speaking to Axios, Trump indicated that the United States was communicating with Iran through intermediaries, explaining that messages were being exchanged indirectly to explore possible outcomes and reduce tensions.
His comments underscored Washington’s openness to non-traditional diplomatic channels.
Meanwhile, Gulf nations have asserted their stake in the outcome of any negotiations.
According to AFP, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem AlBudaiwi stated, “We emphasize the necessity of involving the GCC countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability.”
Gulf countries also reiterated that while they retain the “right to self-defense,” their preference remains diplomacy over escalation.
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AlBudaiwi further alleged that Iran had been “asking vessels to pay sums of money to cross the Strait of Hormuz,” raising serious concerns about maritime security in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
Such claims, if verified, could further heighten tensions in an already volatile region.
At the same time, Israel has escalated its military posture. Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that a high-ranking Iranian commander had been killed in a targeted strike. “Last night, in a precise and lethal operation, the IDF eliminated the commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ navy, Tangsiri, along with senior officers,” Katz said in a video statement.
He further added that “the man who was directly responsible for the terrorist operation of mining and blocking the Strait of Hormuz to shipping was blown up and eliminated.”
The conflict’s regional spillover is also becoming increasingly evident.
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According to Al Jazeera, Jordan’s military reported that Iran had fired three missiles toward its territory within the past 24 hours, all of which were intercepted by its air force. Jordan’s Public Security Directorate confirmed that falling debris caused material damage but resulted in no casualties.
Amid ongoing military actions, missile exchanges, and maritime tensions the Middle East faces the question whether indirect diplomatic engagement—facilitated by Pakistan and supported by countries like Turkiye and Egypt—would offer a pathway toward de-escalation.
The emerging backchannel between the United States and Iran may not yet constitute formal negotiations, but it represents a critical opening.
Analysts note whether the 15-point framework can lead to tangible outcomes remains uncertain.
However, as emphasized by Ishaq Dar and echoed across diplomatic circles, dialogue remains the only viable path forward in a region where the cost of conflict continues to rise by the day.
Kiran Asim is a writer who covers the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. Her reports and analyses look at the geostrategic issues and contemporary developments and their economic and political implications. She also writes about society and education.
