ISLAMABAD, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt on Sunday for a high-level meeting aimed at halting the conflict in the Middle East, as Islamabad positions itself as a neutral facilitator between the United States and Iran.
The conflict, triggered late last month by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions, has escalated tensions across the Gulf and disrupted global energy markets, keeping oil prices and inflation under pressure.
The four-way consultations lasted several hours. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar described the discussions as "detailed and in-depth," focusing on ways to bring an early and permanent end to the conflict.
He said the foreign ministers "expressed their full support" for potential U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad and agreed to form a committee of senior officials to coordinate follow-up modalities.
"The foreign ministers advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable pathway to prevent conflict and to promote regional peace and harmony," he told reporters.
In the past days, Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have held several calls with Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while actively coordinating with the U.S. administration.
"In this context, Pakistan is very happy that both Iran and the U.S. have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate the talks," he said, adding that Pakistan would be "honored to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in the coming days."
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran, relaying messages and coordinating backchannel communications.
Analysts said the country's neutrality, backed by longstanding ties with all stakeholders, gives it unique leverage. Former Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry described Pakistan's role as that of a "facilitator" rather than a mediator.
"Pakistan maintains good relations with the U.S., Iran, and key regional countries such as Saudi Arabia. Its motivation is to support peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement," he said.
Regional security analyst and retired brigadier Tughral Yamin tied the effort to national interest. "Gulf stability safeguards our economy and energy security. Pakistan's balancing act is crucial to avoid escalation while promoting dialogue."
Analysts noted that Islamabad's credibility stems from multiple factors: its geographic proximity to Iran, historical and cultural ties, strategic relationships with Gulf states, and personal rapport between Pakistani leaders and U.S. officials.
Dar said Pakistan has received strong international support for its facilitation efforts, including from China and the UN secretary-general. On Saturday, he confirmed that Iran has eased passage for 20 more Pakistani-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing fears of an imminent fuel crisis.
Sunday's consultations marked the second round among the four nations, following their initial meeting in Riyadh on March 19, according to Dar. While Tehran has not joined official U.S. talks, it has relayed responses to American proposals through Islamabad, according to Iranian media.
However, experts also cautioned that Pakistan's neutrality will face tests if escalation intensifies.
"Supporting defense-pact ally Saudi Arabia must not make Iran feel abandoned. Maintaining balance is challenging, but our efforts so far have been constructive and appreciated," said retired Air Commodore Khalid Chishti. ■