Islamabad: Pakistani and Qatari mediators have expressed "cautious optimism" regarding the resumption of stalled talks between the United States and Iran, following the decision by US President Donald Trump to cancel planned military strikes on Iran, Pakistani government sources informed Anadolu.
According to Anadolu Agency, mediators are hopeful for "positive developments" in the talks by the end of this week. Efforts are ongoing, with Pakistani and Qatari mediators, alongside regional partners, maintaining contact with Washington and Tehran in a bid to resume discussions after persuading Trump to delay new military actions against Iran.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump announced that Iran and other Middle Eastern nations had requested time to finalize a deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear threat. In addition, Israel has agreed to refrain from attacks, with Trump urging all parties to expedite the peace process.
Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshall Asim Munir, who is actively involved in the mediation, recently communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to explore ways to alleviate tensions and resume negotiations. The US and Iran are reportedly exchanging messages through mediators to establish a two-week ceasefire as a precursor to resuming talks.
The proposed ceasefire, part of a de-escalation strategy formulated by Pakistan and Qatar last month, aims to pave the way for discussions based on a framework agreement reached in Islamabad in June. Recent hostilities, including attacks by the Houthis, have complicated the Middle Eastern situation, but stakeholders recognize the potential global economic impact and are motivated to resolve the conflict.
Last month's joint de-escalation proposal from Islamabad and Doha called for the US and Iran to return to earlier positions to facilitate negotiations for a lasting peace agreement. However, details of responses from the US and Tehran remain undisclosed.
The core challenge lies in maintaining the ceasefire, with mediators suggesting that sustaining the pause in hostilities for a week could simplify subsequent steps to bring both parties back to the negotiation table. Pakistan previously mediated a ceasefire in April and facilitated a framework agreement in June. Nonetheless, tensions over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated once more.