Pakistan PM to visit Saudi, Türkiye ahead of possible new Iran-US talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Saudi Arabia and Türkiye ahead of a potential second round of US‑Iran talks in Islamabad, an official statement said Tuesday. Sharif briefed President Asif Zardari on Pakistan’s ongoing mediation between the two warring sides, including his upcoming visits “for further engagement to promote the peace efforts.” A Foreign Ministry source told Anadolu that Sharif will travel to Riyadh on Wednesday to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, followed by a visit to Ankara.

Mediation and Future Talks

Zardari said that “by providing a platform for such a critical dialogue, Pakistan has reaffirmed its position as a responsible and pivotal state in the international community and proved its peace‑making credentials to the world once more.” Pakistan secured a two‑week ceasefire last week and hosted rare in‑person talks between Washington and Tehran on Saturday, which ended without agreement. Two government sources told Anadolu that a second round of talks is expected to take place in Islamabad “very soon” at Pakistan’s invitation.

Conflict Toll and Regional Role

More than 3,300 people have been killed in US‑Israeli airstrikes in Iran since 28 February, according to Iranian authorities. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Gulf states hosting US assets. Türkiye, which has consistently supported de‑escalation and diplomatic engagement, continues to coordinate with regional partners, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, to help stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation.