'Failed, Zero Conclusion': No Breakthrough On Day 1 Of Pakistan's Bid To De-escalate US-Iran Oil Crisis

Last Updated:March 29, 2026, 20:42 IST

As mediation talks began, Iran agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

A summit of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt mediated by Pakistan failed to have a breakthrough amid the escalating maritime oil crisis in West Asia. 

The first day of the two-day summit had a “zero conclusion", and failed to deliver a comprehensive roadmap for regional stability.

Pakistan, however, did achieve a significant secondary objective. As mediation talks began, Iran agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

For the Pakistani government, this partial reopening of the vital shipping lane was a “top priority" aimed at easing a crippling domestic fuel crunch and preventing further economic lockdowns. According to top Indian intelligence sources, Islamabad’s backchannel role was specifically designed to shield its fragile economy from the severe shortages plaguing the country.

The sources told News18 that the primary goal of the “mediation" – a full de-escalation of the maritime conflict – remains unfulfilled. The summit highlighted a profound “strategic deadlock" rooted in deep mistrust and diametrically opposed demands between the United States and Iran.

Documents accessed by News18 show that the US proposed a 15-point “peace" plan, seeking stringent nuclear and missile curbs as well as sanctions relief in exchange for guaranteed, reliable access to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, however, summarily rejected the American proposal remaining “adamant" in its own counter demands.

The sources said Iran presented a five-point plan that insisted on an immediate cessation of strikes, formal security guarantees, and financial reparations. Most contentiously, Iran demanded the international recognition of its sovereignty over Hormuz – a term that the US and Israel have refused to accept.

They said Pakistan’s mediation efforts are “opportunistic", saying Islamabad is attempting to use the regional crisis to gain geopolitical favour and relevance with both the US and its Gulf allies. The crisis has exposed Pakistan’s “heavy dependence on Gulf energy imports" and its inherent vulnerabilities, especially when compared to regional neighbours with more diversified energy reserves.

As the foreign ministers departed Islamabad, the sources said, the situation in the Strait remains “tense and volatile". While the release of the 20 vessels provides temporary relief for Pakistan’s economy, the “mismatched demands" of the two sides ensure that the broader maritime oil crisis continues without a resolution in sight.

News world 'Failed, Zero Conclusion': No Breakthrough On Day 1 Of Pakistan's Bid To De-escalate US-Iran Oil Crisis

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