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Pakistan Offers to Host U.S - Iran Peace Talks Amid Escalating Gulf Conflict
Pakistan has offered to host potential U.S - Iran peace talks as regional tensions escalate, despite conflicting claims over whether negotiations have begun.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir meet US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, in September 2025 [Handout/White House]
Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday that Pakistan is prepared to facilitate peace talks between the United States and Iran in an effort to end the escalating conflict in the Gulf, following remarks by Donald Trump indicating a temporary pullback from plans to target Iranian power infrastructure after what he described as “productive” discussions.
In a message shared on X, Sharif expressed strong support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis, stating that Pakistan would be willing to host negotiations if both Washington and Tehran agree, in order to help achieve a comprehensive resolution.
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The conflict began intensifying after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, citing insufficient progress in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear activities, despite mediation efforts by Oman suggesting otherwise. Since then, Iran has retaliated by attacking nations hosting U.S. military bases, targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf, and effectively halting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz a vital route for roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas triggering a major global energy disruption.
A Pakistani official indicated that discussions about a potential meeting were progressing, though uncertain, and could take place within days if confirmed.
Despite U.S. claims, Iran denied that any direct negotiations had taken place. Trump said discussions had occurred over two days involving envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed such reports as false, although Iran’s foreign ministry acknowledged broader de-escalation initiatives.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the tensions, with Brent crude briefly reaching $114.43 per barrel before settling near $103. Trump’s earlier warnings about potential strikes on Iran’s power grid prompted Tehran to threaten retaliatory attacks on infrastructure in allied countries.
Israeli officials suggested Trump remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic agreement, though they expressed skepticism that Iran would accept U.S. conditions, which are expected to include restrictions on nuclear and missile programs. Sources in Tehran said Iran’s position has become more rigid, influenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold consultations with security officials regarding the U.S. initiative. Meanwhile, military activity continues across the region, including in Lebanon, where Israel is conducting operations against Hezbollah. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces plan to extend control over southern Lebanon up to the Litani River.
In Israel, sirens sounded in Tel Aviv following Iranian missile launches, causing significant damage to residential areas but no confirmed fatalities. Israel responded with airstrikes in central Tehran, targeting military and intelligence facilities and striking more than 50 additional sites, including missile storage and launch locations.
Explosions were reported across Tehran as air defenses were activated. In Tabriz, at least eight people were killed and 28 injured in a strike. Separately, the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran.
Editor’s Note:
Pakistan’s offer to host talks reflects growing international urgency to de-escalate a rapidly widening conflict that is disrupting global energy supplies and regional stability. However, conflicting narratives from Washington and Tehran highlight the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic progress, even as military operations continue across multiple fronts.
