Top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt met in Pakistan on Sunday for high-level consultations, as Islamabad increased efforts to promote dialogue and reduce tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The meeting in Islamabad brought together Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty and Turkey’s Hakan Fidan at the invitation of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, the talks focused on reviewing the evolving regional situation and strengthening coordination among the participating countries.
Officials said discussions centred on the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis and support regional stability. The visiting ministers were also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their stay.
The gathering comes as Pakistan continues to position itself as a mediator between Tehran and United States, following weeks of escalating hostilities that have affected energy supplies, shipping routes and air travel across the region.
Late Saturday, Dar spoke with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, calling for an immediate end to attacks and a return to dialogue. In a statement, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Dar stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable path to lasting peace and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring stability.
The conflict, which intensified after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has led to retaliatory actions by Tehran targeting regional infrastructure and shipping. One of the most significant consequences has been disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and cargo shipments.
In a development seen as a positive step, Dar announced that Iran has agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the strategic waterway. Under the arrangement, two ships will cross the strait daily.
“This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation,” Dar said in a statement on social media, describing the move as a sign of easing tensions and a step toward stability.
Pakistan’s role as an intermediary has involved facilitating communication between Iranian and US officials, even as Tehran publicly maintains that it is not engaged in formal negotiations with Washington.
The Islamabad talks highlight growing regional concern over the conflict’s broader impact, including its effect on energy markets and trade flows. With diplomatic channels under strain, participating countries signalled the importance of continued engagement to prevent further escalation.
As consultations continue, officials say the focus remains on reducing tensions and ensuring that dialogue prevails over confrontation in a region facing increasing uncertainty.
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