Regional powers hold talks in Pakistan to address Middle East conflict

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt convened in Islamabad on March 30 for high-level talks aimed at ending the ongoing war in the Middle East. The discussions primarily addressed the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping, which has been effectively blocked by Iran in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli air strikes. Participants proposed the implementation of a management consortium to oversee oil flows and Suez Canal-style fee structures to stabilize maritime traffic. Pakistan, leveraging its diplomatic ties with both Washington and Tehran, is acting as a facilitator for these efforts. The meeting occurred as global energy prices surged and Iran warned against a potential U.S. ground offensive. Sources indicate that China supports this initiative to host further U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad. Additionally, reports mention a 15-point peace plan allegedly proposed by Washington and presented to Iran via Pakistan. The meeting was originally intended to be held in Turkey but was relocated due to the schedule of Pakistani officials.