Pakistan and Egypt are playing a key role in facilitating communication between Iranian and US officials, a Pakistani source told CNN on Sunday, as diplomatic efforts intensify to ease tensions in the region.
The development comes amid escalating pressure from the United States on Iran, with President Donald Trump signaling a possible deadline for Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been a flashpoint in US-Iran relations for years. Trump warned that if Iran fails to comply, the United States could begin targeting Iranian electrical facilities as a form of leverage.
Trump also told Axios that his special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are actively engaged in negotiations with Iranian officials, underscoring the urgency of diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Mohammed Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Saturday. During the discussion, Dar “reiterated Pakistan’s support for all de-escalation efforts and stressed the importance of resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy.” The ministry also emphasized Pakistan’s continued commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Experts say that Pakistan and Egypt’s involvement could be crucial in bridging communication gaps, given their long-standing diplomatic relations with both Tehran and Washington. By acting as intermediaries, these countries provide a platform for dialogue that might otherwise be stalled by political tensions and mistrust.
The latest developments follow a series of heightened military and economic pressures in the Gulf, including US sanctions targeting Iranian infrastructure and reports of restricted shipping through the Strait. Regional analysts have noted that without open diplomatic channels, even minor incidents could trigger larger confrontations.
Pakistan has historically sought to balance its relations with the US and Iran, emphasizing regional stability while advocating for dialogue over confrontation. Egypt, too, has played a similar role, using its diplomatic networks to encourage communication between Washington and Tehran.
With tensions high, all eyes will be on the outcomes of these indirect negotiations. While the exact details of the discussions remain confidential, officials suggest that the involvement of neutral countries like Pakistan and Egypt could be pivotal in preventing further escalation and preserving regional security.
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