Iranian envoy meets PM as fate of talks hangs in the balance, meeting comes at critical time
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shakes hands with Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam during a meeting in Islamabad. PHOTO: ONLINE
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Wednesday stepped up its behind-the-scenes and overt diplomatic efforts to revive the stalled US-Iran peace process, as Tehran’s envoy to Islamabad held a key meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amid growing uncertainty over the next round of talks.
According to a brief statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Reza Amiri Moghadam called on the Prime Minister to discuss the evolving regional situation and ongoing peace efforts.
“Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on April 22, 2026 to discuss the current regional situation and peace efforts,” the statement said.
Although the official document did not disclose further details, diplomatic sources said the meeting took place at a critical time when ambiguity continues to cloud the fate of the next round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington. The diplomatic process, they suggested, was at the center of the discussions.
Officials familiar with the matter said Pakistan remained engaged with Iran through discreet channels, with messages being exchanged in a bid to persuade Tehran to join the dialogue process.
Islamabad has played a quiet but central role in facilitating contacts since the first round of talks failed to produce a breakthrough.
The latest round of negotiations, scheduled for Wednesday, was suspended after Iran refused to participate, casting a shadow over the fragile progress made so far.
Despite this setback, US President Donald Trump agreed to extend a temporary ceasefire with Iran, at Pakistan’s request.
The move was intended to allow diplomacy to regain momentum and give Tehran time to formulate a unified response to Washington’s proposals.
Although there was no official confirmation regarding the resumption of talks, security in the federal capital remained particularly tight.
Major roads leading to Islamabad’s red zone, home to sensitive government installations and diplomatic missions, remain closed, indicating that authorities are still preparing for possible high-level engagement.
Diplomatic observers say the moves indicate that, despite the current impasse, there is still a window, albeit narrow, for negotiations to resume in Islamabad.
While both sides maintain firm positions and the diplomatic track hangs in the balance, Pakistan’s facilitative role remains crucial, even as uncertainty continues to define the trajectory of the peace process.
Ishaq Dar
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Wednesday welcomed and supported Pakistan’s “facilitative role in bringing the United States and Iran to the negotiating table” during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on
The British envoy “appreciated and supported Pakistan’s facilitating role in bringing the United States and Iran to the negotiating table,” the statement added.
Dar also spoke with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.
The two leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in the peaceful resolution of disputes.
DPM/FM Ishaq Dar had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev.
During the interaction, the two dignitaries exchanged views on bilateral relations and reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations, according to a press release from the DPM office.
Discussing the developing regional situation, FM Kulubaev appreciated the efforts of DPM/FM and Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.
