On March 29, 2026, Pakistan hosted strategic talks with Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia as part of its diplomatic efforts to mediate an end to the ongoing Iran conflict. The discussions focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, a critical maritime passage previously accounting for a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
The foreign ministers of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt arrived in Islamabad amid heightened tensions, with Iran warning the United States against a ground attack. The conflict has caused global oil prices to surge, emphasizing the importance of stabilizing shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources indicate that the participating countries have proposed various measures to the United States, including Suez Canal-like fee structures, to facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic. Pakistan, leveraging its ties with both Tehran and Washington, has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic channel, while Turkiye and Egypt have also contributed to these efforts.
The proposal to form a consortium to manage oil flows through the Strait was discussed, with Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia inviting Pakistan to join. However, Islamabad has not been formally asked to participate and remains cautious about its involvement.
Ankara’s priority remains securing a ceasefire, with Turkish diplomats emphasizing the need for safe ship passage as a confidence-building measure. The foreign ministers of the involved nations are expected to continue their discussions, aiming to formulate a joint strategy for peace and stability in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 30, 2026
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