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Pakistan's mediation role elevates its status in US-Iran talks

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Pakistan's role as a key mediator between the US and Iran is highlighted, potentially leading to a "Islamabad Declaration" for a ceasefire MOU.
  • Pakistani diplomats have actively engaged in back-channel communications to de-escalate tensions, particularly after a US helicopter incident.
  • The country's position as a crisis manager between the two nations is solidifying, though major issues remain unresolved.

Pakistan's pivotal role in mediating between the United States and Iran has gained significant international attention, with a potential ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) being referred to as the "Islamabad Declaration." This reflects Pakistan's growing influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy as a crucial intermediary.

Reports suggest that the MOU, agreed upon by the US and Iran, may adopt the "Islamabad Declaration" title to acknowledge Pakistan's central role in facilitating the negotiations. This designation underscores the country's sustained efforts in managing the complex relationship between the two nations. Pakistani officials, including the foreign minister, have expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, referring to it as the "Islamabad MOU."

Pakistan has been actively involved in back-channel communications alongside Qatar and Turkey. Notably, Islamabad hosted a meeting between US and Iranian representatives in April, aimed at de-escalating the conflict. More recently, Pakistani diplomats reportedly played a key role in preventing further escalation after a US military helicopter was downed by an Iranian drone. Their intervention, involving message relay and persuasion, is credited with convincing US President Donald Trump to cancel retaliatory airstrikes.

Through these efforts, Pakistan is positioning itself as an essential coordinator in managing crises between the US and Iran. However, significant challenges persist, including ํ†ตํ•ญ rights in the Strait of Hormuz, the disposition of highly enriched uranium, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The ultimate success of the "Islamabad Declaration" in achieving lasting peace remains uncertain amidst these unresolved issues.

It is closer than ever to the Islamabad MOU.

โ€” Abbas AraghchiThe Iranian foreign minister expressed optimism about the potential ceasefire agreement, referencing its connection to Islamabad.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.