Shehbaz Sharif Embarks on Gulf Shuttle to Revive US-Iran Talks
April 16, 2026 04:32 PM IST

Shehbaz Sharif Embarks on Gulf Shuttle to Revive US-Iran Talks

Desk Correspondent , Islamabad - Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey this week in a fresh diplomatic push aimed at reviving negotiations between the United States and Iran. The visit comes after Islamabad hosted rare US-Iran talks that ended without a formal agreement, with Pakistan now trying to keep the fragile ceasefire process alive before it expires on April 22. Officials say Sharif will use the trip to strengthen regional coordination on peace and security while also discussing bilateral relations with key Gulf and Turkish leaders.

According to reports, the Pakistani leader’s shuttle diplomacy is part of a broader effort to build support for a second round of talks after the first meeting in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough. The move also reflects Pakistan’s growing role as a mediator, with Washington and Tehran reportedly leaving the door open to further dialogue even as tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns. In Turkey, Sharif is expected to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, giving the trip both a regional and multilateral dimension.

Sharif’s visit could prove important if backchannel efforts succeed in bringing the two sides back to the table before the current ceasefire window closes. For Pakistan, the trip is also a chance to project itself as a constructive regional bridge at a time when diplomacy remains fragile and the stakes for the Gulf are extremely high.

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