Field Marshal, Iran FM discuss peace efforts as Pakistan and Qatar step up diplomacy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar have stepped up behind-the-scenes diplomacy in an urgent effort to prevent the collapse of the fragile US-Iran peace process, as regional tensions continue to rise following recent American military strikes and renewed accusations of ceasefire violations.

According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focusing on the rapidly deteriorating security situation and the future of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the agreement that had laid the groundwork for easing tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that Araghchi strongly condemned the recent US attacks, describing them as a clear violation of both the UN Charter and the Islamabad peace framework. He argued that statements made by senior US officials suggested Washington was no longer committed to the agreement, effectively acknowledging a breach of its obligations.

During the conversation, the Iranian foreign minister warned against any further military action and reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security against any external threat.

The call came as Islamabad intensified quiet diplomatic engagement aimed at preventing the peace process from collapsing completely. Officials familiar with the negotiations said Pakistan and Qatar remain in close contact with both Tehran and Washington, encouraging the two sides to return to dialogue rather than allowing the current crisis to spiral into a broader regional conflict.

Diplomatic observers believe the coming days will be decisive for the future of the agreement. While neither Iran nor the United States has formally withdrawn from the Islamabad MoU, both continue to accuse each other of violating its terms, making mediation increasingly difficult.

Despite the sharp escalation, Pakistani officials remain cautiously optimistic that sustained diplomacy can still preserve the framework and reopen negotiations. Turkish news agency Anadolu also reported that Pakistan and Qatar have urged both governments to halt hostilities and resume talks under the existing agreement.

Sources acknowledged that the current developments were not anticipated when preparations were underway for technical-level negotiations that were expected to take place in Islamabad within one or two weeks. Those talks have now been postponed as mediators shift their immediate focus to de-escalation.

Officials also indicated that the situation in southern Lebanon has complicated implementation of the Islamabad agreement. Iran has insisted that the Strait of Hormuz would only fully reopen after a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, while Washington maintains that previously settled issues should not be tied to unresolved regional disputes.

With tensions still high, Islamabad hopes its diplomatic efforts—supported by Qatar—can steer both sides back toward negotiations before the crisis deepens further.