Pakistan’s Sharif says peace efforts continue despite US-Iran talks stalemate

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Pakistan is persistently continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, even as US-Iran negotiations remain deadlocked. Addressing a cabinet meeting, Sharif said talks between Washington and Tehran hosted in Islamabad earlier this month lasted 21 hours, with Pakistan playing an active behind-the-scenes role. “Our efforts for peace continue consistently and will continue,” Sharif told ministers. He praised Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for facilitating the talks.

Meetings with Iran

Sharif revealed that he held a detailed two-hour meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who visited Islamabad on Friday and again on Sunday from Muscat before departing for Moscow. The premier said Araghchi assured him that he would respond to Pakistan after consultations with Iranian leadership. Sharif also warned that rising oil prices due to the conflict are adding to global economic pressures. “We are facing a challenging situation,” he said.

Financial diplomacy

Sharif noted that Islamabad recently repaid a 3.5 billion loan to the UAE and thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for assistance. Riyadh recently approved a new 3 billion loan and extended an existing $5 billion deposit. The US and Israel began strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran’s retaliation and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, but no agreement was reached. Trump later extended the truce at Pakistan’s request, pending a proposal from Tehran. Iran has proposed reopening the strait while deferring nuclear negotiations.