Pakistan, Saudi Arabia welcome final-stage US-Iran talks

Islamabad-Riyadh talks

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephone talks with Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday to discuss the final stage of diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran, with both ministers voicing optimism that an imminent agreement would foster stability across the Middle East. The conversation focused on regional developments and bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to the Washington-Tehran dialogue that has reached its concluding phase.

Both ministers welcomed reports that the parties were preparing for an electronic signing ceremony expected on Sunday, according to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry. Prince Faisal expressed appreciation for Islamabad's consistent support for mediation efforts throughout the process, the ministry said.

Swiss channel

Dar also spoke by telephone with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, with both sides welcoming the "encouraging progress" toward a comprehensive understanding between the United States and Iran. The Swiss and Pakistani ministers expressed hope that ongoing efforts would help promote regional peace and stability, the Foreign Ministry said.

Media reports citing sources have speculated that the signing ceremony could take place in Geneva.

Mediation background

The diplomatic flurry comes as Pakistan maintains regular consultations with key stakeholders to secure a permanent end to the conflict that has engulfed the Middle East. Islamabad mediated a ceasefire in the US-Israeli war on Iran in April and has since worked to consolidate the truce through multilateral channels.

Both Dar and Prince Faisal also discussed preparations for the upcoming Regional Four (R-4) Foreign Ministers' meeting scheduled to take place in Egypt later this month.