Turkish foreign minister says ministerial meeting with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt could take place this weekend, as Germany signals direct US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan ‘very soon’
ISTANBUL — Turkiye has proposed hosting a four-nation ministerial meeting in Pakistan this weekend to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East, as Islamabad continues to play a pivotal role as mediator between the United States and Iran.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Friday that talks involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye could take place on Pakistani soil, with the gathering bringing together the foreign ministers of the four Muslim-majority nations.
“Initially, we had planned to hold this meeting in Turkiye… However, since our Pakistani counterparts are required to remain in their country, we moved the meeting to Pakistan,” Fidan told private broadcaster A Haber.
“It is possible that we will meet there this weekend,” he added.
Pakistan’s Growing Mediating Role
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Tehran and Washington amid heightened regional tensions. Islamabad is currently serving as a channel for messages exchanged between the two sides as the conflict continues.
The diplomatic development follows remarks earlier Friday by Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who said he expected a direct US-Iran meeting to take place in Pakistan “very soon,” though he did not disclose his source.
While Tehran has not officially acknowledged holding direct talks with Washington, Iran has reportedly transmitted a response to US President Donald Trump’s 15-point plan to end the war via Pakistani intermediaries, according to an anonymous source cited by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Regional Diplomacy Intensifies
The proposed four-nation meeting underscores the intensifying diplomatic efforts by regional powers to address the crisis. Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt each hold significant influence and have been actively engaged in seeking a path toward de-escalation.
The initiative comes as international mediators work to bridge gaps between Washington and Tehran, with Pakistan’s geographic and diplomatic positioning making it an increasingly central hub for back-channel communications.
No official timeline has been confirmed for a potential direct US-Iran meeting, but diplomatic sources indicate both sides are exploring avenues for dialogue as the conflict enters a critical phase.
