Backchannel Talks Intensify Between US and Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Washington: To stop the ongoing war and tension between America and Iran, efforts for not direct but backchannel (indirect) talks have intensified. According to sources, both countries are sending messages to each other through intermediary countries, which has raised hopes of stopping the war. However, in public both parties are still giving different statements from each other.

The role of which countries is becoming important?

Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Oman seem to be the most active in this entire matter. Over the past two days, officials from these countries have worked to convey messages between US Ambassador Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. These countries are trying to bring both sides to the negotiation table.

Can Islamabad become a platform for talks?

Sources say that a meeting can be held between America and Iran this week in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. Israeli officials have also expressed this possibility. However, there is no official confirmation yet. If the meeting takes place, it will be considered a big step towards reducing regional tension.

Have such attempts been made before?

This is not the first time. In the past too, several rounds of indirect talks have taken place in Oman, where both sides did not sit face to face, but messages were exchanged through a mediator. Now the same formula is being tried again.

What is America's stance?

US President Donald Trump recently said that talks with Iran are moving in a “very good and productive” direction. He has postponed the attacks on Iran's energy sites for five days so that diplomacy can get a chance. Trump claims that consensus has started emerging on many issues and he wants a complete deal.

What is Iran saying?

Iran has completely rejected these claims of Trump. The Iranian Foreign Ministry clearly says that there were no formal or informal talks with America in the last 24 days. Tehran is calling it an “attempt to influence the oil market”.

What's going on behind the scenes?

Experts believe that despite public denial, backchannel diplomacy has intensified. Mediating countries are continuously conveying messages and trying to avoid war. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian on phone and assured cooperation in peace efforts. Pakistani Army Chief is also active in this matter.

What are the signs ahead?

The situation is not completely clear yet, but efforts for a diplomatic solution have definitely increased. If a meeting is held in Islamabad or somewhere else, it can help in reducing tension. Yet the wall of deep distrust between the two countries still remains the biggest challenge. The truth may become more clear in the coming days.