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Some progress
Editorial | Published May 24, 2026 | Updated about 11
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PAKISTAN’S mediation efforts in the
Iran-US crisis appear to be entering
their most consequential phase yet.
The statement by ISPR following Field Marshal
Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran spoke of
“encouraging progress towards a final
understanding” after intensive negotiations
with Iran’s senior leadership. That language
matters because developments over the past 24
hours suggest the talks have moved beyond
broad appeals for restraint into detailed
bargaining over the terms of a possible interim
arrangement.
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'Encouraging progress' made
during CDF Munir's Tehran
visit: ISPR
According to ISPR, the field marshal held
meetings with Iranian President Masoud
Pezeshkian, parliament speaker Mohammad
Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas
Araghchi as part of efforts to consolidate the
fragile ceasefire that has held since April 8.
Reports suggest the discussions are now
focused on finalising a 14-point Iranian
framework touching on sanctions relief, the
future of the Strait of Hormuz, limits
surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities and
guarantees against renewed military action.
Yet the atmosphere surrounding the talks
remains cautious. Iranian officials continue
publicly to insist that Tehran will not
compromise on what they describe as national
rights and sovereign interests. Speaker
Ghalibaf reiterated during talks in Tehran that
Iran remained deeply sceptical of US intentions
and would respond forcefully to any renewed
military escalation.
At the same time, diplomatic activity around
Tehran has intensified considerably. Qatar has
now joined the mediation effort, while reports
suggest discussions are increasingly centred on
a temporary memorandum or phased
stabilisation formula intended to prevent a
return to open conflict while broader
negotiations continue. Washington’s messaging
reflects the same tension between pressure and
diplomacy.
President Donald Trump has continued to
warn that military action remains an option if
negotiations fail. But senior American officials
have simultaneously acknowledged movement
on key issues.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken of
“some progress” while cautioning that major
disagreements persist, particularly over Iran’s
enriched uranium stockpile and Tehran’s
demands relating to the Strait of Hormuz. Mr
Rubio also publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s
central role, describing it as the “primary
interlocutor” in the negotiations and
confirming constant communication with
Pakistani mediators.
Pakistan deserves credit for helping preserve
diplomatic space at a time when the region
seemed dangerously close to another escalation
cycle. Few countries today maintain workable
ties simultaneously with Tehran, Washington,
Beijing and the Gulf capitals. That diplomatic
flexibility has given Islamabad unusual
relevance.
RELATED
Lessons in mediation
Yet mediation also carries risks. Pakistan must
avoid becoming entangled in competing
regional agendas or appearing aligned with
coercive pressure from any side. The current
opening remains fragile. But after weeks
dominated by threats, disrupted shipping
routes and fears of renewed war, even tentative
movement towards a workable understanding
offers the region some much-needed reprieve.
Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026
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