Why Is Pakistan Desperately Pushing To Host Iran-US Peace Talks? Is Fear Of Saudi Arabia A Factor?

Major developments are taking place in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that is in its fourth week. Amid growing international calls for de-escalation, Pakistan is trying to position itself as a peace broker between Washington and Tehran. Over the past week, its leaders have intensified diplomatic efforts to ease tensions that continue to rise.

According to the Financial Times report, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir spoke directly with US President Donald Trump, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached out to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday. Islamabad has even offered to host peace talks and facilitate as a mediator.

Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 24, 2026

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Is Fear Of Saudi Arabia A Factor?

While Pakistan, along with countries like Turkey and Egypt, has been quietly working behind the scenes to ease tensions, its role is complicated. This is because of its defence pact with Saudi Arabia, signed in September 2025. Islamabad’s “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” with Riyadh is likely to limit how neutral Pakistan can appear in the ongoing conflict.

The pact declares that an attack on one nation would be an attack on both. And, in the current scenario, Saudi Arabia has come under Iran’s retaliatory attack. If full-fledged war is declared, then as per the defence agreement, Pakistan would have to support Saudi Arabia, risking friendlyties with Iran.

Why Is Pak Desperately Pushing To Host Iran-US Talks?

If Pakistan manages to successfully mediate between Washington and Tehran; it can be a major diplomatic win. However, Islamabad has one more reason to push for peace in the Middle East. Pakistan has one of the largest absolute numbers of Shia Muslims in the world, and recent violence in Iran has triggered protests inside the country. The ongoing tensions have also affected Pakistan’s fuel supply, giving it another reason to facilitate talks.

Another risk that persists is related to Pakistan’s security, given its proximity to Iran. If the war spills beyond Iran, it can impact Islamabad too.

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