When it comes to pakistan acting as backchannel as us and iran inch towards deal, experts say, in a bid to foster dialogue between the United States and Iran, Pakistan has stepped in as a key intermediary, relaying proposals and keeping the channels of communication open amid escalating tensions. With the global economy and regional stability at stake, Islamabad is keenly aware of how the ongoing conflict has severely impacted energy costs, which have nearly tripled for the country.
Officials in Pakistan have expressed their commitment to not only ensuring a peaceful resolution but also safeguarding the livelihoods of millions affected by soaring energy prices, a situation exacerbated by the conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Wednesday that he is poised to transmit a revised offer from Iran, marking Pakistan's critical role in what has become a backchannel approach to negotiations. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Understanding Pakistan Acting As Backchannel As US And Iran Inch Towards Deal, Experts Say
The ceasefire, which has been in effect for over three weeks, is seen by Islamabad as a considerable achievement. Both Tehran and Washington have acknowledged Pakistan as the primary channel for negotiation. The recent diplomatic efforts come after a significant round of talks in April, where both parties met in Islamabad for an all-night session-the first high-level engagement since the 1979 revolution. However, the momentum generated from those discussions has since waned, leading to a more discreet yet urgent Pakistani effort to maintain dialogue.
Despite the optimism from the April talks, both Iran and the US have since hardened their positions. Tehran indicated that the discussions were close to yielding a deal before the US abruptly withdrew, citing Iran's unwillingness to meet certain demands. Following an unsuccessful attempt to organize a second round of negotiations last weekend, frustration has grown, particularly within Iran, over Pakistan's inability to enforce US commitments made during previous negotiations.
Challenges Ahead for Negotiators
Masood Khan, former ambassador of Pakistan to the US, highlighted that Pakistan's role extends beyond merely transmitting messages; it has actively facilitated a two-week ceasefire and initiated talks with both sides. He noted that convincing both nations to lift their blockades on the Strait of Hormuz is a significant next step. While the US views the blockade as a more effective approach than military action, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei recently suggested a new strategic phase for the Strait, indicating that neither side is ready to yield.
Pakistan's military chief recently spent three days in Tehran engaging with various power centers, while the prime minister sought regional backing for the peace process through visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Islamabad has even sought support from nations as far away as Japan to bolster diplomatic efforts, with Pakistan's foreign minister also holding discussions with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Complexities in the Nuclear Negotiations
The heart of the negotiations revolves around Iran's nuclear program. The latest Iranian proposal, relayed through Pakistan, offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while postponing discussions on nuclear issues. President Trump insisted that Iran must commit to not pursuing nuclear weapons, creating further complexity in the talks. Islamabad remains optimistic that a deal is achievable, yet both sides face significant hurdles.
Key sticking points include the need for Iran to pause its uranium enrichment and address its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Regional diplomats suggest that a 10-year moratorium on enrichment could be a possible compromise, sitting between the two countries' demands. Additionally, discussions have emerged regarding the possibility of sending Iran's enriched uranium to its ally Russia instead of requiring an outright handover, a notion entertained in recent conversations between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Balancing Act for Pakistan
As negotiations continue, experts warn that Iran's strategy of prolonging discussions in hopes of securing a better deal could backfire. Jauhar Saleem, former top diplomat and current president of the Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad, cautioned that the US must also reconsider its pressure tactics, which have historically failed to yield results. "It is not realistic that Iran would give in to all demands," he commented. "An agreement has to be a win-win situation for both sides."
Pakistan's role as a mediator is complex and fraught with challenges, yet there remains hope that dialogue can lead to a resolution. As both the US and Iran navigate their respective positions, the international community watches closely, understanding that the stakes extend far beyond the two nations involved.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.