Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt lead mediation push to end Iran–US–Israel war
Islamabad offered to host talks as Washington says it has had productive talks with Tehran, even as Iran denies direct US dialogue and the Gulf remains tense.
Mar 26, 2026, 2:13 AM EDT
Why it matters: A Pakistan-led mediation effort could open a backchannel to de-escalate a war that is disrupting energy flows and risking a wider regional conflict.
Driving the news:
- Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt are leading mediation efforts to end the war between Iran, the United States and Israel, and Islamabad offered to host talks, according to government sources told EFE.
- Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the country will host and facilitate “significant negotiations” between the United States and Iran in the coming days, citing trust from both sides.
State of play:
- Donald Trump said he had “very good and productive” talks with Tehran to end hostilities and that contacts would continue during the week, while Tehran denied direct dialogue with the United States.
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Tehran received messages from “friendly countries” about the US request for negotiations, without confirming direct US–Iran talks.
- Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he spoke by phone with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and urged urgent de-escalation and diplomacy.
The big picture:
- The war began on Feb. 28 with coordinated US–Israel strikes on Iranian territory; Iran has retaliated with missiles and drones against Israel and regional targets and has kept the Strait of Hormuz partially blocked, affecting about one-fifth of global oil shipments.
- Pakistan says it is willing to host talks in Islamabad if the parties agree, citing its military ties with Tehran and its relationship with President Trump.
What they're saying:
- “Considering it is in Pakistan’s and the region’s interest, the country is leading mediation efforts for a dialogue between the United States and Iran, with the aim of negotiating an end to the war between the US and Israel against Iran,” a senior government official told EFE.
- “Pakistan is willing to receive the countries involved in Islamabad and this could happen if they agree,” the official added.
Reality check:
- Tehran has publicly denied direct US–Iran dialogue, even as it acknowledges messages from “friendly countries” about negotiations.
- The US has not publicly confirmed direct talks with Iran, and some Iranian officials have expressed skepticism about US intentions.
What to watch:
- Whether Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt can convene a concrete meeting in Islamabad and whether the US and Iran agree to direct or indirect talks.
- Any movement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalation signals from Tehran and Washington.
The bottom line: Mediation is moving forward on paper, but direct US–Iran talks remain unconfirmed and the path to a deal is still uncertain.