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Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar & his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan spoke about the progress of proposed mediation efforts, describing them as being at an “advanced stage”
Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar (left) and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. (X)
Amid the escalating Iran war and intensifying diplomatic efforts to contain it, Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan have held a series of four phone calls in just four days, signalling heightened coordination between Islamabad and Ankara.
According to official statements, the two foreign ministers discussed the rapidly evolving regional situation, with a particular focus on ongoing US-Iran backchannel diplomacy. Dar briefed Fidan on the progress of proposed mediation efforts, describing them as being at an “advanced stage”.
The flurry of contacts comes against the backdrop of a widening conflict involving Iran, United States, and Israel, which began in late February and has since expanded across the Middle East. The war has seen sustained missile and drone exchanges, rising civilian casualties, and disruptions to global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic efforts, however, are running in parallel to military escalation. Countries such as Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have emerged as key intermediaries, relaying messages between Washington and Tehran in an effort to de-escalate tensions and bring both sides to the negotiating table.
Pakistan, in particular, has positioned itself as a potential bridge, maintaining ties with both Iran and the US while avoiding direct military involvement and offering to host talks. In a high-stakes address to the nation on Saturday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited Army Chief General Asim Munir, whom he referred to in spirit as playing a “Field Marshal-like” role, for spearheading an “advanced mediation” between the United States and Iran.
Top Indian intelligence sources have, however, expressed deep scepticism regarding the credibility and long-term viability of the “Islamabad Channel”. Analysts suggest that while Pakistan is ambitious to reclaim its role as a regional power broker, reminiscent of its 1981 mediation efforts, it remains a “high-risk facilitator” rather than a guaranteed credible channel.
Meanwhile, Türkiye has also actively pushed for dialogue, warning that expanding conflict dynamics could trigger a broader regional war.
During their latest exchange, Dar and Fidan underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and agreed to remain in close contact as the situation unfolds.
Islamabad, Pakistan
March 28, 2026, 10:37 IST
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