Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan spearhead push for US-Iran ceasefire

Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan are leading diplomatic efforts to broker a truce between the United States and Iran as the conflict enters its fourth week.

According to a report by The Washington Post, the three countries are acting as intermediaries in talks involving Steve Witkoff, US special envoy, and Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister. The report, citing US and foreign officials, said intense diplomatic engagement — including a series of phone calls — took place from the weekend through Tuesday, with appeals to both sides to de-escalate tensions.

Oman is also believed to be playing a role in the negotiations, having previously facilitated nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran before the outbreak of hostilities.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that Pakistan has offered to host potential peace talks, with discussions underway for a possible meeting in Islamabad later this week. US Vice-President JD Vance is expected to attend if the talks proceed.

The report added that Washington had transmitted a 15-point proposal outlining its expectations to Iran through Pakistan, though it remains unclear whether Tehran has accepted any of the terms.

Diplomatic efforts reportedly intensified after US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or risk strikes on its energy infrastructure.

In response, Iran threatened to shut down the strategic waterway entirely and target companies linked to the United States.

Trump later delayed the planned strikes, citing what he described as “productive” discussions with Iran — a claim Tehran has disputed.

Speaking on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would continue to deploy all available resources to support peace efforts. He noted that the conflict has had far-reaching economic consequences, affecting Turkey and the global economy, particularly through rising energy prices.

Erdogan added that his government is considering measures to shield Turkey’s economy from the impact of the ongoing crisis.