With US-Iran trust broken again, can Pakistan bring them back to talks? | US-Israel war on Iran News
Diplomatic Efforts Between U.S., Iran Face Renewed Tensions
Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, paving the way toward lasting peace. The MoU was unveiled during a high-profile diplomatic initiative in Islamabad on June 17, where Sharif played a central role as a mediator.
However, within weeks, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued statements expressing “deep concern” regarding escalating hostilities between the two nations, suggesting a breakdown of the framework that Pakistan had helped to establish.
On Monday, the U.S. intensified its military actions against Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran targeting Gulf and Arab nations associated with U.S. military operations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that mediators, including Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman, continue to engage in discussions, although he warned that Iran would respond to what it views as U.S. violations of the newly signed MoU.
Despite ongoing diplomatic outreach, the conflict has not abated. On Sunday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reinforcing that dialogue remains “the only viable path” to address the rising tensions. Following this, Sharif communicated with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, noting that peace gains are precariously close to being reversed.
Analysts now question whether Pakistan and its mediators can effectively bring the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table, given the increased distrust that has emerged amid renewed fighting.
The recent clashes mark the third significant escalation since the April 8 ceasefire was established. Shortly after the truce, a collapse in U.S.-Iran negotiations led to a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Subsequently, following the MoU’s signing, Iran launched attacks on several ships it claimed were in violation of its territorial waters.
The latest military exchanges have resulted in extensive casualties in Iran, including the deaths of a soldier and several fishermen due to U.S. strikes in at least ten provinces, according to Iranian sources. Additionally, infrastructural damage has been reported in key regions.
On Sunday, Iranian missiles struck Qatar, injuring three civilians. Iran has accused Washington of violating nearly all aspects of the June agreement, citing military assaults on various entities.
Baghaei asserted that Iran has acted in good faith throughout negotiations but reiterated that non-compliance from the U.S. compelled Iran to adjust its actions correspondingly.
Since the conflict’s onset in late February, Pakistan has engaged in diplomatic mediation, hosting historic talks and facilitating dialogue among both parties. However, experts note that Pakistan may lack the leverage to enforce agreements effectively.
Javad Heiran-Nia, from the Persian Gulf Studies Group, stated that the MoU was initially designed to halt hostilities rather than resolve underlying disputes, emphasizing the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz for Iran.
Experts suggest that as both Tehran and Washington display hardened stances, Pakistan finds its diplomatic options increasingly limited. While the current dynamics appear escalatory, there remains a tentative belief that neither side has formally abandoned the MoU.
The conflict continues to unfold, characterized by military actions aimed at shifting power dynamics, yet analysts believe there remains potential for renewed dialogue, contingent on concessions related to the Strait of Hormuz.
