Pakistan and Qatar have intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent the collapse of a monthlong ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, as regional mediators rush to avert a return to full-scale conflict.
Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, led a high-level delegation to the Iranian capital on Friday evening, reports New York Times.
The Pakistani military confirmed the visit, which underscores Islamabad’s central role in mediating between the two adversaries as fears of a renewed war loom.
Simultaneously, Qatar has dispatched a team of officials to Tehran to facilitate an agreement, according to diplomats familiar with the matter.
The Qatari intervention, conducted in coordination with the United States, follows the Gulf nation’s previous success in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran last year.
Deadlock over nuclear programme
Despite the flurry of shuttle diplomacy, negotiations remain deadlocked over two critical issues: Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump revealed this week that he had postponed a “very major attack” against Iran following requests from Gulf leaders for more time to negotiate. However, Washington remains firm on preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Current discussions are focused on the potential suspension of uranium enrichment and the closure of specific nuclear facilities.
Strait of Hormuz tensions
Adding to the friction is the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments.
Iran, which has attempted to blockade the waterway since the start of the conflict, is reportedly in talks with Oman regarding a proposal to charge fees for vessels passing through the strait.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Thursday that any Iranian move to impose tolls would make a diplomatic settlement “unfeasible.” While noting “slight progress” in recent talks, Rubio cautioned that the situation remains fragile.
“There’s some good signs,” he stated, though he added that he did not want to be “overly optimistic” regarding the outcome in the coming days.
Domestic context
The diplomatic crisis follows a period of significant leadership change in Tehran. The former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in February and was succeeded by his son.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed this week that Tehran is currently reviewing the latest responses received from Washington.
As mediators work against the clock, the international community remains on edge, with global energy markets already rattled by the ongoing instability in the Gulf.
