Are US-Iran talks happening in Pakistan? Who said what, and what’s at stake

Four weeks into the war in West Asia triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Pakistan has stepped forward with an offer to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” in Islamabad, positioning itself as a potential mediator between Washington and Tehran.

The move by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif comes amid mounting global concern over energy markets. While Sharif has consistently called for de-escalation and to pursue dialogue and diplomacy, its sudden attempt to broker talks was not expected.

Despite multiple media reports citing officials about the potential talks, there is no confirmation that US-Iran talks will take place in Pakistan, if at all.

Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 24, 2026

For now, Sharif’s offer remains just that – an offer. Not only has neither Washington nor Tehran formally accepted Islamabad as a venue, but it is also not clear whether both have agreed to negotiate at all.

Also Read: West Asia war | Oil may not return to $80 anytime soon despite ceasefire hopes, says energy analyst Art Berman 

Here’s what we know so far:

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US and Iran are in contact and negotiating, hinting at backchannel engagement even as the conflict continues. Trump even claimed “very good and productive” talks and said he has ordered not to attack energy infrastructure for five days ending March 27.

Iran, however, has categorically denied that any such talks are underway, dismissing Trump’s claims as “fake news”.

The gap between these positions underlines a basic problem: there is no shared acknowledgement that negotiations are even happening.

Speculation has also emerged over whether US Vice President JD Vance could travel to Pakistan if talks materialise. There is no official word on any such visit. Any high-level diplomatic engagement would likely depend on both sides first agreeing to enter negotiations which has not happened so far.

However, various reports mention that the US has sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war via Pakistan.

US vs Iran expectations

One should also take into account the fundamentally different expectations both sides have for any potential talks.

The US insists that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. That, Trump had said, is “number one, two, and three” of the 15-point plan.

Iran’s communications show it has felt betrayed by the US for attacking while negotiations were underway twice in the past two years, and refuses to give up nuclear weapons.

Pakistan’s attempt to position itself as a mediator draws on its working ties with both sides. It has maintained a long, if uneven, strategic relationship with the US, spanning security cooperation and economic engagement.

At the same time, it shares a border with Iran and has ongoing energy and regional interests tied to Tehran.