Egypt, Iraq, and Pakistan Hold High-Level Talks with Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff on Iran Conflict

WASHINGTON – Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty met with President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior officials from Iraq and Pakistan on Monday to discuss de-escalation efforts in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, according to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

The discussions, which also included U.N. Secretary-General’s personal envoy for the Middle East Jean Arnault, focused on assessing the rapidly evolving situation and exploring possible understandings between the United States and Iran to reduce tensions.

Abdel-Aty stressed “the need for wisdom to defuse tensions and avoid a catastrophic scenario from which no party would be immune,” the ministry said. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to reach an agreement that would spare the region from “widespread repercussions.”

Iraq was represented by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and Pakistan by Foreign Minister Mohammed Ishaq Dar. The meeting took place amid intensified mediation efforts by regional powers as President Trump’s Tuesday deadline for Iran to accept a U.S. peace proposal approaches.

Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, recently hosting talks on regional de-escalation and proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Turkey has also played an active role, with its Foreign Minister holding separate discussions with Iranian and Pakistani counterparts in recent weeks.

The U.S. proposal, delivered through intermediaries, includes verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear program, restrictions on ballistic missiles, an end to support for proxy militias, and the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

Egypt, Iraq, and Pakistan’s involvement underscores growing regional concern over the six-week conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. The Strait of Hormuz remains partially disrupted, affecting global oil shipments and energy prices.

No immediate breakthrough was announced from Monday’s meeting. The Trump administration has maintained that the Tuesday deadline remains firm, with senior officials warning that failure to comply would trigger additional U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.

The diplomatic activity reflects continued indirect negotiations even as military pressure on Iran continues. Gulf Arab states most directly threatened by Iran have privately urged sustained pressure, while European allies have shown reluctance to commit forces to secure the strait.

This is a developing story as the Tuesday deadline nears.