Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif begins a regional tour to revive US–Iran peace talks, as global powers signal cautious optimism despite stalled negotiations and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
MEDIABITES – Webdesk
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to embark on a four-day diplomatic tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye in a renewed push to revive peace talks between the United States and Iran.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit, scheduled from Wednesday to Saturday, will include bilateral meetings in Riyadh and Doha, followed by high-level engagements at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, where Sharif is expected to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other global leaders.
Diplomatic push gains momentum
The visit comes as Pakistan intensifies efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran following inconclusive talks in Islamabad earlier this week.
President Asif Ali Zardari has urged continued engagement with all stakeholders to sustain the fragile peace process, which is currently supported by a two-week ceasefire lasting until April 22.
Talks may resume in Pakistan
US President Donald Trump has indicated that negotiations with Iran could resume in Pakistan within the next two days, raising hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough.
While earlier reports suggested Europe as a potential venue, Islamabad is now being considered alongside Geneva for the next round of talks, according to diplomatic sources.
Global backing for dialogue
The United Nations has also expressed cautious optimism. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it is “highly probable” that ceasefire talks will restart, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue given the complexity of the conflict.
Despite 21 hours of direct talks between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf ending without agreement, both sides appear open to continued negotiations.
Fragile ceasefire, rising stakes
The diplomatic push comes amid a fragile ceasefire and heightened tensions in the region. The United States has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports, while disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven global oil prices higher.
Analysts say Sharif’s regional outreach could play a pivotal role in keeping communication channels open and preventing further escalation.
Outlook
With multiple stakeholders now signaling willingness to re-engage, the coming days are expected to be critical for diplomacy. However, officials caution that resolving such a long-standing conflict will require sustained negotiations and political will on all sides.
