Iran rejects Pakistan's efforts to broker peace, sets tough conditions for Donald Trump

New Delhi: Efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran appear to have suffered a setback. Pakistan, which has been playing the role of a 'mediator' in this matter, has now maintained a silence. It declined to comment on a report claiming that Pakistan had put forward a proposal to end the conflict between the two nations. However, it did affirm that the peace process remains ongoing.

According to the state-run channel 'Pakistan Television' (PTV), Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that while various reports have surfaced regarding a 45-day ceasefire or a 15-point proposal, Pakistan does not offer comments on such matters. Nevertheless, reports in the Western media had claimed that Pakistan had submitted a ceasefire proposal to Washington and Tehran.

The objective of this proposal was to first implement a ceasefire and subsequently resolve the conflict through comprehensive dialogue. Pakistan had initiated its efforts in this direction just last month. At one point, it came close to hosting officials from both the U.S. and Iran; however, these efforts ultimately failed due to the hardline stances adopted by both sides and provocative statements made by President Trump.

Some time ago, in an effort to bring an end to the conflict, Pakistan hosted a meeting in Islamabad involving representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. This was followed by discussions between Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Together, the two leaders issued a five-point peace plan that emphasized the need for a ceasefire and a resolution to the conflict through dialogue.

What Are Iran's Conditions?

According to reports, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, is playing a pivotal role in this entire process and remains in constant contact with officials from both the U.S. and Iran. According to Pakistani sources, Iran has made it unequivocally clear that it will consider any proposal only if the United States and Israel immediately cease all forms of military action against it.

Why Is Temporary Ceasefire Unacceptable?

This demand specifically includes refraining from targeting Iran's top leadership. Sources indicate that Tehran has also demanded the unconditional withdrawal of the deadline issued by Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran has signaled that no form of temporary ceasefire is acceptable, as it believes such a move could provide adversaries with an opportunity to regroup.

Has Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy Intensified?

According to sources, Pakistan's Army Chief, Asim Munir, and Ishaq Dar remain in constant contact with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The objective is to bring both nations to the negotiating table. It is reported that the proposed plan entails an immediate ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and face-to-face negotiations in Islamabad.

Will Iran Back Down from Its Conditions?

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not take concrete steps soon, the intensity of attacks could be escalated. He also noted, however, that the possibility of a settlement remains open. Ismail Baqai, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, has also indicated that their demands have been conveyed to the United States through third parties. He asserted that Iran will not back down from its legitimate demands.

Why is Pakistan's Role in Focus? 

Notably, Pakistan is positioning itself as a mediator in this entire dispute. It is seeking to leverage its relationships with both the United States and Iran, as well as its strategic partnerships with China and Saudi Arabia. While Pakistan is currently refraining from officially confirming any specific proposal, diplomatic activity behind the scenes remains intense.