Pakistani officials have confirmed they’re relaying messages between the US and Iran, but for now, talks in Islamabad are seen as unlikely, Sky's Hakim reports; source says the talk of negotiations is little more than a smokescreen

Newsquawk StaffPublished 26 Mar 2026, 13:45 UTC

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13:32

Informed source told Tasnim that Iran's response to the 15 articles proposed by the US was officially sent last night through intermediaries

13:28

Saudi Finance Minister Al-Jadaan says there will be even more severe disruptions in the oil market than what was seen during COVID in the scenario the Middle East conflict is not resolved

13:25

Pakistani officials have confirmed they’re relaying messages between the US and Iran, but for now, talks in Islamabad are seen as unlikely, Sky's Hakim reports; source says the talk of negotiations is little more than a smokescreen

13:24

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kallas says are discussing how to offramp from the Iran war

13:19

Al-Mayadeen’s political security source says US Sec of State Rubio is coordinating with Israel PM Netanyahu and his team inciting the adoption of a “major military strike” as the only way to end the war

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A source tells me talk of negotiations is little more than a smokescreen — despite Donald Trump publicly claiming progress.
The assessment: Washington is buying time for US Marines to arrive. Days, not weeks.

Context

The confirmation that Pakistani officials are mediating between the US and Iran, combined with skepticism about the seriousness of negotiations, indicates a potential escalation in tensions. If seen as a smokescreen, this could weigh on risk assets and support safe havens like gold and the yen, while keeping the energy market on edge given the implications for oil supply and regional stability.

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