D-8 Secretary-General Urges Productive Islamabad Talks as Regional Powers Mediate Iran War Ceasefire

D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood says Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt are mediating the Iran war to secure a lasting diplomatic solution in Islamabad.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 4:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency

Regional Powerhouses Spearhead Behind the Scenes Diplomacy

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation has officially recognized the intensive mediation efforts led by its member states—Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt—in facilitating a critical pause in the 2026 Iran war. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, the organization’s Secretary-General, told Anadolu on Saturday that these nations have been instrumental in bridging the gap between Washington and Tehran. Following weeks of clandestine diplomacy, these efforts culminated in the current 14-day ceasefire, providing what Mahmood describes as a vital opportunity for all sides to "step back from the brink." This collaborative approach underscores the shifting geopolitical weight of major Muslim-majority developing nations in resolving high-stakes regional conflicts.

The Historic Responsibility of the Islamabad Summit

As delegations from the United States and Iran prepare to meet in the Pakistani capital, the D-8 chief emphasized that the upcoming negotiations are not merely a bilateral affair but a matter of global consequence. Mahmood stated that all participating parties have a "duty and historic responsibility" to ensure the talks are productive and lead toward a stable, long-term peace. The Islamabad summit is viewed as a "make-or-break" moment for the fragile two-week truce, with regional mediators pushing for a formal roadmap that addresses core grievances, including maritime security and sovereignty, which have fueled the 40-day conflict.

Safeguarding Global Energy Markets and Economic Stability

A primary concern driving the urgency of the D-8’s mediation is the protection of global energy resilience. Mahmood warned that the risks remain exceptionally high for international economies that depend on a steady and predictable supply of Gulf oil. The disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the war has already triggered significant economic volatility across the D-8 member states and beyond. By promoting a lasting diplomatic solution, the mediating coalition seeks to restore the security of maritime corridors, which Mahmood identified as essential for the stability of both global energy markets and the broader international financial system.