ISLAMABAD / WASHINGTON — Nearly four weeks after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike, a significant diplomatic “off-ramp” has emerged. Pakistan is rapidly positioning itself as the primary mediator to end the escalating conflict, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially offering Islamabad as the venue for a high-level peace summit.
1. The “Sharif Offer” and Trump’s Signal
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sharif took to social media to state that Pakistan is “ready and honoured” to facilitate “meaningful and conclusive talks.”
- The Post: Sharif emphasized that Pakistan’s role is subject to the concurrence of both Washington and Tehran.
- Trump’s Response: In a move that signaled potential acceptance, President Donald Trump shared a screenshot of Sharif’s post on his own account. This follows a Sunday phone call between Trump and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, where the logistics of mediation were reportedly discussed.
2. The 15-Point Peace Plan
The Trump administration has reportedly funneled a comprehensive 15-point ceasefire proposal to Tehran through Pakistani intermediaries. Key features of the plan include:
- Nuclear Dismantling: A demand for Iran to cease all uranium enrichment and dismantle its nuclear capabilities.
- Maritime Access: A permanent guarantee that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping.
- U.S. Concessions: In exchange, the U.S. is offering full sanctions relief, the removal of “snapback” UN sanctions threats, and assistance with a civilian nuclear project in Bushehr.
- 30-Day Window: The plan proposes an immediate month-long ceasefire to finalize these terms.
3. The “Trust Deficit” in Negotiations
While diplomacy is accelerating, a significant rift has appeared regarding who should lead the talks.
- Iranian Preference: According to reports, Iranian representatives have expressed a strong preference for negotiating with Vice President JD Vance, whom they view as more intent on wrapping up the conflict.
- Rejection of Kushner/Witkoff: Tehran has reportedly balked at dealing with Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, citing a “deficit of trust” following the breakdown of previous pre-war negotiations.
- Trump’s Stance: The White House has pushed back, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that “President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States.”
4. Current Conflict Status: March 25, 2026
Despite the diplomatic push, military actions continue to destabilize the region:
- Ongoing Strikes: Israel continues airstrikes against Iranian infrastructure, while Iran launched fresh missile and drone waves into Israel and toward U.S. bases in the Gulf early Wednesday.
- Regional Mediators: Alongside Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar are operating a “strategic diplomatic conduit” to relay messages between the two adversaries.
Peace Negotiation Tracker: March 2026
| Element | Status | Key Player |
| Lead Mediator | Pakistan (Islamabad) | PM Shehbaz Sharif / FM Asim Munir |
| US Delegation | Vance, Kushner, Witkoff, Rubio | TBD (Pending Iran’s agreement) |
| Iran Delegation | Parliament Speaker Qalibaf | TBD (Seeking Vance-only talks) |
| Ceasefire Duration | 30-Day Proposed | Under Review in Tehran |