Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar officially confirmed on Thursday that Pakistan is facilitating “indirect talks” between the United States and Iran. Addressing intense media speculation, Dar revealed that Islamabad is actively relaying a 15-point US proposal to Tehran, an initiative supported by regional partners including Türkiye and Egypt. The confirmation comes at a volatile moment, as President Donald Trump claimed Iranian negotiators are “begging” for a deal, even as Tehran publicly maintains a defiant posture.
There has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks to end ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan. In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 26, 2026
The 15-Point Plan: Pakistan as the “Messenger of Peace”
In a detailed post on X, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clarified Pakistan’s central role in the backchannel efforts to end the Middle East conflict.
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The Proposal: The US has shared a 15-point framework, which is currently “being deliberated upon by Iran.”
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Regional Support: Dar noted that “brotherly countries of Turkiye and Egypt” are extending their support to this Pakistan-led diplomatic initiative.
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Key Interlocutors: The Foreign Minister tagged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi, and US Envoy Steve Witkoff, signaling the high-level nature of these communications.
Trump’s Ultimatum: “No Turning Back”
Shortly after Dar’s announcement, President Trump took to Truth Social to apply maximum pressure on the Iranian leadership.
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The “Begging” Claim: Trump asserted that Iran is desperate for an exit following what he described as being “militarily obliterated” during Operation Epic Fury.
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The Warning: “They better get serious soon, before it is too late,” Trump posted, adding that once a certain threshold is crossed, “there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty.”
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White House Stance: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the talks as “productive,” claiming Tehran is seeking an “exit ramp” as their defensive capacity dwindles “hour by hour.”
Iran’s Counter-Demands: The Five Conditions
While Reuters reports that Iran is still reviewing the US proposal, state-run Press TV has highlighted five non-negotiable conditions from Tehran’s security establishment:
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Halt to Aggression: A complete end to strikes and “assassinations.”
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Security Mechanisms: Concrete guarantees that the war will not be reimposed.
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War Reparations: Clearly defined payment for damages to Iranian infrastructure.
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Regional Scope: The conclusion of the war across all fronts for all “resistance groups.”
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Sovereignty over Hormuz: Recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait.
The “Islamabad Option” Gains Momentum
The diplomatic activity centers on the offer made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” in Pakistan.
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Presidential Nod: President Trump notably shared PM Shehbaz’s offer on his own social media platform, fueling expectations of an upcoming summit in the Pakistani capital.
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The Goal: Lifting all international sanctions and providing assistance for “civilian nuclear energy” in exchange for a permanent end to Iran’s weapons program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
