Pakistan Offers to Host US-Iran Talks to De-escalate Conflict | Reuters 2026

Islamabad/Jerusalem/Tel Aviv, March 24, 2026 – Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated Tuesday he is prepared to host talks between the United States and Iran to de-escalate the ongoing conflict, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision Monday to postpone threatened strikes on Iranian energy facilities after what he described as “constructive” discussions.

Sharif announced on X that Pakistan welcomes and fully supports current efforts to continue dialogue aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East. “Subject to the consent of the U.S. And Iran, Pakistan is fully prepared and would be honored to host these talks to facilitate a meaningful and decisive dialogue to reach a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflict,” he wrote.

The United States and Israel began launching strikes against Iran on February 28, citing a lack of sufficient progress in negotiations aimed at curtailing Iran’s nuclear program, a claim disputed by Oman, which had reported “notable progress” in mediation efforts. Iran has since targeted nations hosting U.S. Bases and struck critical energy infrastructure in the Gulf, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supply.

A Pakistani government source indicated that discussions regarding a meeting are at an advanced stage, with a potential gathering within a week if agreed upon.

The conflict is casting a shadow over major global economies, according to surveys released Tuesday showing how rising energy prices and increased uncertainty have weakened economic activity and raised inflation expectations.

Iran denied engaging in negotiations following Trump’s Monday comments on his Truth Social platform. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed reports of direct talks as “false news.” An Israeli official and two other sources familiar with the matter identified Ghalibaf as representing the Iranian side in the discussions.

Trump’s threat to bomb Iranian power stations prompted Iran to threaten strikes on the electricity infrastructure of U.S. Allies in the region, driving Brent crude prices to $114.43 per barrel Monday morning. Trump’s subsequent backing down led to a price decrease, but prices rebounded approximately three percent Tuesday to around $103 amid supply concerns.

Three senior Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump appears determined to reach an agreement but expressed skepticism that Iran would accept U.S. Demands, which they believe include dismantling its nuclear and missile programs.

Three sources in Tehran stated that Iran has significantly hardened its negotiating position since the start of the conflict, with increased influence from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the decision-making process, and would demand substantial concessions from the United States if mediation efforts lead to serious negotiations.

Two senior Israeli officials stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke with Trump less than 48 hours before the conflict began, is expected to convene security officials to discuss Trump’s pursuit of an agreement with Iran.

Air raid sirens sounded in the densely populated Tel Aviv, home to military installations, as a result of Iranian rockets. One rocket created a large crater in a street, and an explosion damaged the walls of a multi-story residential building. This attack is the latest in a series of Iranian strikes that have penetrated Israel’s sophisticated air defenses. No casualties were reported.

The Israeli military stated its fighter jets launched a large-scale wave of strikes in central Tehran Monday, targeting key command centers, including facilities linked to the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence apparatus and the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence. More than 50 additional targets, including sites for storing and launching ballistic missiles, were also struck, the military added.

Iran’s Noor News agency reported the activation of air defense systems throughout Tehran following the sound of simultaneous explosions in several areas of the capital.

The head of the crisis management department in East Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran, told Tasnim News Agency that at least eight people were killed and 28 others injured in an airstrike targeting a residential area.