By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has confirmed that indirect talks between the United States and Iran are underway, with Islamabad facilitating the exchange of messages between the two sides amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement. on X, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the ongoing diplomatic engagement aims to de-escalate the conflict and create space for a negotiated settlement.

“US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan,” he said, adding that Washington has already shared a set of 15 points that are currently under consideration by Tehran.

Pakistan’s efforts are being supported by key regional players, including Turkey and Egypt, which are also engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomacy to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran.

Officials describe the initiative as a coordinated, multi-country effort aimed at preventing further escalation in a region already facing heightened instability.

“Brotherly countries of Turkiye and Egypt, among others, are extending their support to this initiative,” Dar noted.

Pakistan has in recent weeks stepped up its diplomatic outreach, positioning itself as a potential facilitator for dialogue in the Middle East crisis.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly offered to host and facilitate talks between the United States and Iran, subject to mutual agreement, while emphasizing the need for “durable peace and stability.”

Senior officials say Islamabad has maintained continuous engagement with stakeholders across the region and beyond, advocating an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations.

Diplomatic sources describe the current effort not as a single event but as an evolving process involving multiple channels, confidence-building steps, and gradual consensus-building.

The confirmation comes amid widespread media speculation about possible summits, delegation visits, and backchannel negotiations.

Pakistani officials have cautioned against relying on unverified reports, stressing that sensitive diplomatic efforts require discretion and confidentiality.

Dar described such speculation as “unnecessary,” reiterating that the process is ongoing and complex, with developments to be shared through official channels when appropriate

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, the foreign minister said Islamabad remains fully committed to promoting peace and stability both regionally and globally.

“Dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward,” he emphasized, underscoring Pakistan’s role as a bridge-builder at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

The indirect talks mark a rare opening for engagement between Washington and Tehran, with regional actors hoping sustained diplomatic momentum can avert further escalation and lay the groundwork for a broader settlement.