By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has stepped forward with a new diplomatic initiative, offering to host talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is “ready and honoured” to facilitate “meaningful and conclusive” negotiations, provided both Washington and Tehran agree to the proposal. In a statement, he emphasized that Pakistan supports all efforts to resolve the crisis through dialogue in the interest of regional and global stability.

"Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict," Sharif said on X.

He also tagged his offer to US President Donald Trump, his adviser and Iranian Foreign Minister.

The offer comes amid increased diplomatic activity behind the scenes. Reports suggest that Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, recently held discussions with US President Donald Trump regarding the conflict.

There are also indications that a US delegation may soon visit Islamabad as part of ongoing efforts to explore a negotiated settlement.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reiterated the country’s commitment to diplomacy, with spokesman Tahir Andrabi noting that sensitive negotiations often require discretion and cautioning against speculation.

The diplomatic push comes as fighting between US- and Israeli-backed forces and Iran continues to escalate. Since late February, sustained airstrikes have caused significant casualties, while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and US-linked assets across the region.

In a potential opening for de-escalation, President Trump recently announced a five-day pause in planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “productive” discussions. However, Iranian officials have publicly denied direct talks, even as they acknowledged receiving indirect messages through intermediary countries.

Analysts say Pakistan’s offer to host talks reflects its growing role as a regional mediator, but caution that deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran remains a major obstacle.

Whether Islamabad’s initiative translates into formal negotiations may depend on the fragile diplomatic momentum holding amid continued military confrontation.