Pakistan and Qatar Accelerate Peace Efforts Amid US-Iran Deadlock
PAKISTAN and Qatar are continuing to increase diplomatic coordination to encourage the resumption of talks between the United States (US) and Iran, which had previously come to a halt. This move is part of international efforts to end the conflict that continues to affect the stability of the Middle East region.
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Monday (18/5) that Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi to discuss regional developments and several strategic issues of mutual concern. The discussions focused on various diplomatic steps being taken to reopen negotiation channels between Washington and Tehran.
In its statement, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign and Foreign Affairs emphasised that both officials stressed the importance of a diplomatic approach to defuse escalating tensions. “Both parties underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges,” the statement noted, as reported by Anadolu on Monday (18/5).
During the conversation, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Islamabad’s position in supporting the creation of regional peace and stability through diplomatic channels. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
This latest diplomatic contact follows a visit by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Tehran, where he met with several high-ranking Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting was part of Pakistan’s efforts to encourage both parties to return to the negotiating table after previous processes reached a deadlock.
Previously, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also discussed the situation in the Middle East with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a telephone call on Sunday (17/5).
Pakistan previously hosted the first round of talks between the United States and Iran on 11-12 April. However, the negotiations have yet to produce a concrete agreement to end the conflict. The negotiations were held following a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan on 8 April, which was subsequently extended by US President Donald Trump. Since then, Washington and Tehran have continued to exchange proposals and counter-proposals to find common ground for direct dialogue.
The ongoing conflict has triggered disruptions to global energy supplies and impacted economic activities and livelihoods across various regions of the Middle East, prompting regional nations to continue pressing for a resolution through diplomatic means.