Washington: The White House has indicated that the United States continues to rely on Pakistan as a key intermediary in its ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran, even as talks remain at a delicate stage.
Amid the current deadlock, officials have suggested that backchannel communication is still active, with the possibility of renewed discussions emerging in the coming days.
Pakistan remains central to mediation
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Pakistan continues to play a crucial role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran.
She noted that despite several countries offering to mediate, the US prefers to streamline its communication through Pakistan. According to her, this approach is seen as the most effective way to manage sensitive negotiations.
Leavitt added that future discussions are likely to take place at the same location as previous rounds, though no official schedule has been announced yet.
Trump signals possible breakthrough
US President Donald Trump has hinted that progress in talks with Iran could come soon. In a recent interaction, he suggested that developments might unfold within a short timeframe, indicating a possible restart of negotiations.
His remarks have raised expectations that diplomatic engagement between the two nations could resume in the near future, despite earlier setbacks.
Pakistan steps up diplomatic efforts
Meanwhile, Pakistan has intensified its role in facilitating dialogue. The country’s army chief Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have travelled to Tehran to help revive discussions after earlier talks in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed the delegation, acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts in hosting and supporting the dialogue process.
The engagement highlights Islamabad’s growing importance as a diplomatic bridge in the region.
Israel reiterates firm stance
At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel and the United States remain aligned in their objectives regarding Iran.
In a public address, Netanyahu emphasised key goals including the removal of enriched nuclear material, ending Iran’s enrichment capabilities, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
He also stressed Israel’s broader regional priorities, including efforts to dismantle Hezbollah and achieve long-term security.
Complex geopolitical landscape
The ongoing situation reflects the complexity of diplomatic efforts in West Asia, where multiple stakeholders have competing interests. While backchannel negotiations offer hope, achieving a comprehensive agreement remains challenging.
Pakistan’s role as a mediator has gained prominence, particularly as it maintains working relationships with both the US and Iran.
Conclusion
As tensions persist, the United States’ decision to continue relying on Pakistan underscores the importance of discreet and structured communication channels in sensitive negotiations. With signs of renewed engagement emerging, the coming days could prove crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can move past the current deadlock.