IT is a matter of satisfaction that the peace deal, brokered by Pakistan between the United States and Iran, is withstanding acrimonious behavior of the two sides as is evident from progress made during Doha talks. According to Foreign Office spokesperson, the United States and Iran have agreed to continue indirect negotiations on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), following positive progress made during mediator-facilitated talks in Doha. He said Pakistan and Qatar engaged with the relevant parties on Wednesday and positive progress was made on various components of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and building on the Lake Lucerne Summit, the parties have agreed to continue discussions over the coming period, and next meeting to be set at the earliest possible time following the funeral processions of the former Iranian supreme leader.
This is, indeed, encouraging development in view of verbal duels of the leadership of the two countries and occasional violations of the ceasefire understanding. Iran had serious reservations over, what it said, non-implementation of some of the provisions of the agreement and at the same time threatening statements continued by Washington. The situation posed serious challenges to Pakistan, which not only mediated the deal but is also working hard to keep the negotiation process intact. It was due to the tense atmosphere that uncertainty surrounded Doha talks but credit goes to Pakistan and Qatar to save the process. In a related development, which reflected closer interaction of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the evolving situation, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during their telephonic conversation, expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of the United States-Iran peace negotiations in Qatar and hoped the talks would continue in the near future. Prince Faisal appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and steadfast commitment to the implementation of the Islamabad MoU and its continued role in advancing dialogue and promoting lasting peace in the region. This appreciation/assessment of the situation was confirmed by the outcome of the Doha talks, which, according to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who led Tehran’s delegation, concluded with an agreement to establish a communications channel by Thursday to report and record alleged violations of the memorandum. According to the US Vice President JD Vance the technical talks in Doha were focused on commercial shipping in Strait of Hormuz and Iranian nuclear programme. Iranians claim that they were determined to win international recognition of its control over the key oil-shipping waterway and its ability to levy fee on ships entering or leaving the Gulf, even if it has to do so by force. There are not only serious differences on interpretation of the accord and how to move forward but also dangers involved because of Israeli opposition to the peace deal. Iran is preparing for official funeral prayers for its martyred Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and any mischief to target Iranian leadership on the occasion is fraught with risks of resumption of full-scale hostilities. This is particularly so in view of the latest threat of Israel to assassinate the incumbent Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei prompting spokesman of Iran Parliament’s National Security Commission to demand Tehran should reconsider its nuclear doctrine and Article-8 of Islamabad accord. Iran also warned that any US interference in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a “decisive and rapid” response, adding that the continued presence of US air assets across the waterway endangered regional security. The situation is complex but the progress so far achieved lends confidence about the final outcome, which is expected by the deadline of August 18.
