Pakistan Hosts Key US-Iran Talks in Islamabad: Which Countries Are Joining?

Islamabad: Islamabad is offering to host possible talks between the US and Iran this weekend. Pakistan is presenting itself as a credible mediator between the two sides. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has clearly said that Pakistan is ready and honored to host meaningful and decisive talks if both the countries agree.

Will big countries participate in the meeting to be held in Islamabad?

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has invited the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt to Islamabad. In these meetings to be held on Sunday and Monday, there will be detailed discussion on measures to end the regional war and reduce tension. The participation of these three countries makes it clear that the issue is no longer limited to America and Iran only but has become linked to the stability of the entire Middle East. These foreign ministers are also likely to meet Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Does Pakistan want to strengthen the role of mediator?

Pakistan is playing this role seriously. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a more than an hour-long telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian. In this, he informed Iran about Pakistan's diplomatic efforts and talked about continuing the work of conveying messages between the two sides. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also publicly admitted that Pakistan is becoming a medium of indirect messages between America and Iran. Earlier, Pakistan had started this initiative taking advantage of its old relations with both the countries.

Have both parties kept their respective conditions?

America's 15-point proposal focuses on Iran's nuclear program, regional activities and ceasefire. At the same time, Iran is firm on protecting its sovereignty and Israel-related issues. Strict conditions have been set by both sides, due to which it does not seem easy to reach a consensus. Pakistan is trying to take forward these proposals and make both sides flexible.

Is Iran not fully trusting these diplomatic efforts?

Iran is adopting a cautious approach. President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's mediation but also stressed confidence building. Iran believes that on one hand America talks about talks and on the other hand it maintains pressure. For this reason, Tehran is hesitant in taking any major step without clear assurance.

Can this initiative prove to be a concrete step towards peace?

This initiative of Islamabad definitely gives hope. Pakistan maintains good relations with both sides and has been successful in bringing regional countries together. Although the challenges are not fewer. If both the countries show some flexibility then this meeting can become the beginning of bringing stability to the region. At present this is being seen as starting the process of dialogue. With this effort of Pakistan, a new role is emerging in its regional diplomacy, which can become stronger in future.