Pakistan is seeking a “permanent termination” of the war involving the United States (US), Israel, and Iran, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said. Addressing the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he urged both Washington DC and Tehran to “show flexibility” to reach a final settlement. 

The conflict, which began on February 28, has seen Pakistan take a leading role as a mediator between the two sides.

Islamabad has hosted high-level talks between US and Iranian officials, marking the most significant diplomatic contact between the two nations since they ended formal relations in 1979. 

During the forum in Turkiye, Dar clarified that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are focused on a lasting resolution rather than temporary measures. 

Regarding the status of the mediation, Dar reported that “more than 80 percent of the work has been done”. He noted that while the majority of the framework is complete, a few issues remain unresolved.


The diplomatic developments coincide with a shift in the maritime situation. On Friday, Tehran announced that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for commercial vessels. This is the first time the waterway has been fully accessible since the start of the war on February 28. 

Iran had previously established control over the strait following the initial military actions by the US and Israel. The control had impacted global energy supplies and international maritime traffic.

The decision to reopen the strait followed a two-day visit to Tehran by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Asim Munir. During the visit, Munir held discussions with the civil and military leadership of Iran.