Both sides express concern over broader implications on global economy, especially for developing countries
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Sunday, April 20th, 2026.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a telephone call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday, praised Pakistan’s “constructive role” in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States and its continued commitment to diplomatic efforts, the Foreign Office said.
According to the statement, the two counterparts discussed Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement efforts and regional developments. Dar briefed the Australian foreign minister on the Islamabad Talks held earlier, reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to “continue encouraging dialogue and constructive engagement.”
“The two leaders expressed concern over the broader implications on the global economy, particularly for developing countries, and emphasised the importance of peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the statement concluded.
Deputy Prime Minister /Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Australia Penny Wong @SenatorWong.
FM Wong expressed her appreciation for the DPM/FM’s efforts, as well as Pakistan’s constructive role in… pic.twitter.com/pFNZyz6LNm
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 20, 2026
Islamabad is preparing to host the second round of Iran–United States talks after Washington confirmed that a high-level delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance will arrive in Pakistan this week.
The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed diplomatic activity aimed at preventing further escalation in the Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
Read: Trump sends negotiators for Islamabad Round 2
However, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said Iran has rejected participation in the second round of US–Iran talks scheduled to be held in Islamabad, citing what it described as Washington’s “excessive demands,” shifting positions, and the ongoing naval blockade as key reasons for its decision.
The state media reported that Tehran would not join the dialogue following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that American representatives would arrive in Islamabad for negotiations on Monday. The development comes after an earlier round of marathon 21-hour talks held in Islamabad on April 12 ended without a breakthrough, despite both sides describing the engagement as intensive and acknowledging Pakistan’s facilitation efforts.
Pakistan emerged as a central facilitator in the sensitive diplomatic track, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply polarised positions between Washington and Tehran. While the first round underscored deep disagreements over sanctions, maritime security, and regional influence, officials suggest both sides have so far kept the channel open, even as public rhetoric has hardened ahead of the next phase of talks.
Read More: Universities in twin cities go online ahead of expected Iran–US talks
The two leaders also expressed concern over the broader implications of ongoing geopolitical tensions on the global economy, particularly for developing countries, and stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means and sustained diplomatic engagement.
The conversation comes as Pakistan continues to position itself as a facilitator of dialogue amid rising regional and global tensions, including concerns over economic stability and energy market disruptions.
