Both sides express concern about the broader implications for the global economy, especially for developing countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar had a telephone conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a phone 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 about the Islamabad talks held earlier and reiterated Pakistan’s determination to “continue to foster dialogue and constructive engagement”.
“The two leaders expressed concern about the broader implications for the global economy, particularly for developing countries, and emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution of conflicts,” the statement concluded.
Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia, Penny Wong. @SenatorWong.
FM Wong expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the DPM/FM 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 talks between Iran and the United States 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 rising 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 the Second Round of Islamabad
However, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said Iran 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”, changing positions and the ongoing naval blockade as key reasons for its decision.
State media reported that Tehran would not join the dialogue following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that US representatives would arrive in Islamabad for talks on Monday. The development comes after an earlier round of marathon 21-hour talks held in Islamabad on April 12 ended without progress, despite both sides describing the engagement as intensive and acknowledging Pakistan’s facilitation efforts.
Pakistan emerged as a central facilitator in the delicate diplomatic track, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply polarized positions between Washington and Tehran. While the first round highlighted 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: Twin Cities universities open ahead of expected Iran-US talks
The two leaders also expressed concern about the broader implications of current geopolitical tensions on the global economy, particularly for developing countries, and emphasized 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.
