Pakistan Sees Early US-Iran Deal as Diplomacy Gains Momentum

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Thursday that Islamabad remains optimistic about a possible agreement between the United States and Iran, signalling renewed confidence in diplomatic efforts to ease one of the region’s most dangerous standoffs. The comments were made during the weekly briefing in Islamabad, where FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed questions about the latest movement in US-Iran contacts.

Andrabi said Pakistan would welcome a settlement between Washington and Tehran regardless of where it is finalised, while adding that an agreement reached in Pakistan would be viewed as an honour. His remarks came as international reports suggested that both sides had recently shown more flexibility after weeks of uncertainty over talks, ceasefire arrangements and security in the wider Gulf region.

The diplomatic focus has intensified after reports that Iran was reviewing a fresh American proposal aimed at ending the conflict and creating space for longer-term negotiations. The development followed the suspension of a US-led initiative linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route whose disruption has kept global energy markets and regional governments on edge.

The FO spokesperson said Pakistan remained hopeful that the present momentum would lead to a constructive outcome. He noted that Islamabad’s position was rooted in dialogue, restraint and peaceful resolution, adding that Pakistan would continue supporting all efforts that reduce tensions and promote stability in the region.

According to the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already welcomed recent steps that lowered immediate tensions, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar continued engagement with foreign counterparts over the past week. These contacts reflect Pakistan’s attempt to preserve its role as a facilitator at a time when the crisis carries direct implications for South Asia, the Gulf and global trade flows.

The latest phase of the crisis began after the United States and Israel launched strikes in Iran earlier this year, triggering a wider confrontation that raised fears of a prolonged regional war. Although a complete peace deal has not yet been signed, a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire in April helped reduce active hostilities and created room for direct talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad.

Those talks, held on April 11 and 12, did not produce a final agreement but avoided a diplomatic breakdown. Since then, Pakistan has continued acting as a go-between, especially as both sides remained divided over major issues including the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear safeguards, uranium enrichment limits and the broader structure of any future settlement.

The stakes for Pakistan are significant. A durable US-Iran agreement could ease pressure on energy markets, reduce security risks near key trade corridors and enhance Islamabad’s standing as a regional mediator. Failure, however, could revive fears of escalation, disrupt oil supplies and complicate Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic environment.

For now, Pakistan’s message is one of cautious optimism. With Washington and Tehran reportedly studying new proposals and Islamabad keeping diplomatic channels active, the coming days may determine whether the current signals turn into a formal framework for peace or another temporary pause in a deeply volatile conflict.