Pakistan Mediates US-Iran De-escalation

Pakistan, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is actively engaged in diplomatic mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States. Sharif held an extensive telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, briefing him on Pakistan's outreach to the United States, Gulf countries, and other Islamic nations to facilitate dialogue. Pakistan has condemned continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including strikes on civilian infrastructure, and has confirmed its direct role in relaying messages between the United States and Iran. The mediation efforts are being pursued in coordination with Turkey and Egypt, with Pakistan set to host foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt for further discussions. The ongoing conflict has seen the United States and Israel maintain airstrikes on Iran, leading to casualties, while Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries.