Iran Sends Fresh Proposal to Washington via Pakistan

Diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran continue without direct talks, with Pakistan playing the role of intermediary, passing proposals between the two sides and keeping negotiations alive. Islamabad has warned that not only regional peace but also the global economy is at stake.

The war has significantly driven up energy import costs, hitting countries such as Pakistan particularly hard. Islamabad regards the continuation of a ceasefire now lasting more than three weeks as a significant achievement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran had promised a new offer, which Pakistan would pass on to the United States. As direct negotiations have stalled, Pakistan's role has shifted to the less visible plane of behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

Talks held in Islamabad in April came close to an agreement but ended without a breakthrough. Tehran claims the US abandoned the negotiations, while Washington says Iran was unwilling to back down.

Pakistan helped broker both the ceasefire and an initial meeting between the two sides. The next objective is to persuade them to lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Experts warn, however, that any agreement remains uncertain and will require compromise from both parties.

(guardian, bak)