TEHRAN: As Field Marshal Asim Munir heads for Tehran, President Trump asserts that the US is prepared for renewed strikes while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vows a “beyond-region” war. Pakistan’s mediation effort is put to its greatest test ever.
Time for a diplomatic solution to the US-Iran war runs out fast. Iran reviews America’s response to its ceasefire proposal as Pakistan’s army chief prepares to visit Tehran to salvage the negotiations — even as President Donald Trump warns that the United States stands fully ready to resume attacks.
Pakistan’s mediation faces its most critical period
The efforts by Pakistan to abetween the US and Iran have gained momentum in recent days. Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is behind the only US-Iran negotiations since the start of the conflict on February 28, will head to Tehran on Thursday for meetings with the Iranian administration, according to the Iranian ISNA news agency. The interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, visited Tehran on Wednesday for his second trip in less than a week, holding the latest offer from Washington for Iran.
Time to come up with Pakistan Mediation Iran US War is running out quickly. The Iranians state that they are currently considering the response by the Americans to their ceasefire offer while Pakistan’s Chief of General Staff is all set to visit Tehran in an attempt to save the negotiations as President Donald Trump warns America is totally prepared to resume attacks.
Trump admitted that he was ready to be patient and wait a couple of days for the correct response from Iran but did not leave any doubt about what would happen next. In the past, Trump had set several deadlines for Iran that later changed, but the way his warning sounds now indicates that this time the stakes are much higher.
No backing down by Iran publicly at least
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, was in no mood for backing down when he echoed Trump’s tough tone on Wednesday. The Iranian minister said Iran was equally ready for talks or combat. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps added fuel to the fire with their statement saying that any form of US attack would lead to a full-scale war in the region.
However, beneath this façade, the Iranian Foreign Ministry admitted having received the new U.S. positions, and they were seriously examining these positions, signaling the clearest indication to date that Iran is not ruling out an agreement based on the track set by Pakistan.
What Iran wants
The last proposal presented by Iran to the United States has been based on their previous 14-point plan. In their current proposal, Iran has asked for the right to control the strait of Hormuz, compensation for their losses, lifting of all sanctions against them, unfreezing of their assets, and withdrawing of US troops from their territories. The above demands require a sacrifice which is something the US does not intend to do.
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Asim Munir: the mediator in between
The crucial role that Field Marshal Asim Munir plays in Pakistan’s mediation process is indicative of the strategic thinking in Islamabad as well. Pakistan enjoys a singular status diplomatically since the country manages to have an amicable relation with both the United States and Iran at a time when very few other capitals can achieve such a feat. The trust and confidence earned by Munir during the negotiations held in April make him the perfect mediator.
Either a deal, or more war
The current mediation process by Pakistan is taking place under the tightest schedule it has ever been in. Iran is considering an offer from the United States. Trump is keeping track of time. Munir is flying to Tehran. It all depends on what will happen in the coming 72 hours whether these six weeks of ceasefire will become the basis of peace, or a temporary break before yet another war that neither side wants to lose control of.
