Key facts
- Pakistan is actively mediating to revive stalled US-Iran talks.
- An interim deal between the US and Iran has collapsed following attacks.
- Iran is reportedly developing a revised proposal focused on de-escalation.
- The US insists that Iran's nuclear program must be addressed upfront in any negotiations.
- Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have impacted oil prices.
Pakistan is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to revive stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States, aiming to bring both parties back to the table under a previously agreed memorandum of understanding. This push comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and significant disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that Pakistan is doing its utmost to bring all parties back to the Islamabad MoU and is pressing them to adhere to their commitments for technical talks. The interim deal between Washington and Tehran collapsed following a series of attacks, leading both nations to declare the agreement defunct.
Reports indicate that Iran is developing a revised proposal focused on de-escalation measures, such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing military tensions, while postponing more contentious nuclear discussions. However, the United States has expressed skepticism, maintaining that Iran's nuclear ambitions must be addressed upfront for any agreement to be considered.
The previous talks in Islamabad stalled due to deep mistrust and conflicting priorities, including disagreements over Iran's nuclear program and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has been further complicated by ongoing military actions, with Iran attacking a tanker and the US conducting airstrikes, leading to a significant increase in oil prices.
Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni met with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, as part of these diplomatic efforts, and was also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The ongoing conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial portion of global oil and natural gas is traded, and has pushed oil prices to nearly $90 a barrel.