US President Donald Trump has hinted at holding negotiations with Iran in Pakistan, following an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The development comes as Pakistan has been a regular feature of Trump's foreign policy, with the country's leaders seeking to take credit for his efforts to end the war.
Iran's foreign ministry has acknowledged receiving messages from 'friendly countries' indicating a US request for negotiations to end the war. However, there is no clear indication yet on who might represent Iran in such talks.
US Vice President JD Vance is likely to join Trump's main negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in Islamabad for talks with an Iranian delegation. Pakistan's former envoy to Oman, Imran Ali Chaudhry, has claimed that Field Marshal Asim Munir, the chief of the Pakistan Army, held talks with Witkoff and Kushner two weeks ago.
Global mediation efforts are underway, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey actively involved. Qatar has expressed support for all diplomatic efforts to end the war, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet his G7 counterparts in France to discuss Iran.
India has also been involved in efforts to de-escalate the conflict, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and leaders of Gulf countries that have come under Iranian attacks.
However, analysts remain cautious about the prospects of successful negotiations, citing the destruction of trust between the warring parties and the widening gap in their positions.
