Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate calls with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the ministry said in a statement, focusing on proposals aimed at reducing hostilities across the region.

The discussions come amid intensified diplomatic engagement by regional actors seeking to contain the conflict, which has disrupted energy flows and heightened geopolitical risks.

Turkiye and Pakistan have also taken on intermediary roles, with Islamabad recently hosting talks on de-escalation measures and proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil and gas shipments.

Egypt’s outreach reflects growing concern among regional powers over the potential for further escalation and the economic impact of prolonged disruptions, particularly on energy markets and trade routes.

ElBaradei, who led the International Atomic Energy Agency from 1997 to 2009, made the appeal in a post on X, urging regional governments to act before the situation deteriorates further. “Do everything in your power before this madman turns the region into a ball of fire,” he wrote, referring to Trump’s recent threats against Tehran.

In a separate post, ElBaradei questioned whether international actors could halt the escalation, tagging the United Nations, the European Union, as well as Emmanuel Macron, and the foreign ministries of China and Russia.

Trump has warned that Iran must either reach an agreement with Washington or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route that has been effectively blocked since the outbreak of war following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that Iran faces a 48-hour deadline or risk severe military consequences.

The remarks come amid intensifying hostilities in the region, with ongoing strikes and countermeasures raising concerns over broader instability and disruption to global energy supplies.

ElBaradei, an Egyptian diplomat and former vice president, led the IAEA during the early years of international scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear program. He and the agency were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty in the face of what he described as repeated Iranian attacks, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The two leaders reviewed recent regional developments and the broader implications of the conflict for global stability.

The call came as Sharif indicated Pakistan could host talks aimed at ending the conflict, positioning Islamabad as a potential intermediary amid intensifying hostilities. In a statement on X, he said Pakistan supported efforts to pursue dialogue and a peaceful resolution.

The outreach follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington had engaged in “productive” discussions with Iran, a claim denied by Iranian military officials.Despite diplomatic signals, fighting has continued, with U.S., Israeli and Iranian strikes ongoing across the region.

Sources have indicated that Washington is preparing to deploy additional forces, including thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, adding to an existing U.S. presence of about 50,000 personnel in the Middle East.

The planned deployment underscores a broader military buildup that has raised concerns about a prolonged conflict even as parallel diplomatic efforts gain traction.

Pakistan’s potential role as a host for negotiations reflects its longstanding ties with Iran and its recent engagement with the United States, allowing it to project itself as a relatively neutral actor in the crisis.

The discussions between Riyadh and Islamabad come amid growing international efforts to contain the conflict’s geopolitical and economic fallout.