Sharif proposes mediation; Trump shares offer on Truth Social

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday shared on Truth Social a post by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offering to mediate talks between Washington and Tehran, as efforts intensify to end the Middle East conflict.

Sharif said Pakistan “welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in the Middle East” and is ready to host negotiations, subject to agreement by both the United States and Iran.

“Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict,” he wrote on social media platform X.

Pakistan’s foreign office said Islamabad remained committed to resolving the crisis through diplomacy, adding that some aspects of engagement are pursued quietly.

The development comes as Pakistan has emerged as a potential intermediary in indirect contacts between the United States and Iran, though no formal agreement on talks has been confirmed.

Iran has publicly denied that direct negotiations are underway, while U.S. officials have signalled that discussions are taking place through intermediaries amid escalating military tensions in the region.

Trump’s amplification of Sharif’s offer highlights growing efforts by Pakistan to open diplomatic channels and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Earlier, the White House has confirmed that Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, held a phone call with US President Donald Trump, as backchannel diplomacy intensifies over the escalating conflict involving Iran.

“These are highly sensitive diplomatic matters, and the United States will not conduct negotiations through the media,” a White House statement said, underscoring the secrecy surrounding ongoing contacts.

“The situation is evolving rapidly, and any speculation regarding a possible meeting should not be considered final,” it added, cautioning against reports of imminent talks or high-level meetings.

The confirmation comes amid a surge in behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity aimed at defusing tensions in the Middle East, where a conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its fourth week, raising fears of a broader regional war.

Pakistan’s emerging role

Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran, offering Islamabad as a potential venue for talks while maintaining contacts with both sides.

Senior Pakistani leadership has been actively engaged in diplomatic outreach. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has spoken with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging restraint and dialogue, while Munir’s reported contact with Trump highlights the military’s parallel role in mediation efforts.

Analysts say Islamabad is attempting to balance its ties with the United States, Iran and Gulf allies, while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.