Pakistan is stepping up its role as a key mediator in efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, utilising its unique position and diplomatic ties, the British daily Financial Times said in a report.

The country’s military leadership, particularly Field Marshal Asim Munir, is leveraging its strong relations with both Tehran and US President Donald Trump to broker peace, the report said.

The media report said that senior Pakistani officials were back-channelling communications between Tehran, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

On Sunday, Army Chief Asim Munir had a significant conversation with President Trump, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday.

The timing of the conversation between Sharif and Pezeshkian coincided with Trump’s announcement that he was delaying his threat to strike Iran’s power plants, following what he described as “very good and productive” talks with Tehran, the report added.

The exact connection between Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform, which led to a sharp decline in oil prices, remains unclear.

The White House has declined to comment further, citing the sensitive nature of the discussions.

“These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the United States will not negotiate through the news media,” the White House stated.

Pakistan’s involvement in mediation comes at a time when the US-Iran conflict, now in its fourth week, continues to escalate.

With few allies in the region, Pakistan’s neutral stance, unmarked by any major US military presence on its soil, has made it one of the few countries spared from Iranian missile attacks, the report added.

This position has enabled Pakistan to play the role of an impartial mediator between the US and Iran, the report stated.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday.

Additionally, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also participated in discussions with Iranian and Pakistani officials.

Iran denies negotiations with US

Despite the flurry of diplomatic activity, Iranian media reported that Tehran had not been involved in any negotiations with the US.

An unnamed senior Iranian security official told the Tasnim news agency that “there have been no negotiations.”

Pakistan’s mediating role

Despite the challenges, Pakistan’s role in bridging the gap between the US and Iran remains vital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured President Pezeshkian during their talks that Pakistan would continue to facilitate peace efforts.

“Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace,” the official readout from the conversation stated.

In recent statements, Pakistani officials have emphasised their leadership in mediation efforts, even as the conflict continues to unfold.

Pakistan’s neutral position in the region has enhanced its credibility as a mediator, making it one of the few countries in the area not targeted by Iranian military strikes.

On the other hand, other mediating countries, including Egypt and Turkey, are trying to hold the Iran-US talks in Islamabad this week.

US officials, including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and JD Vance, are likely to participate in these talks.