CONTRARY to apprehensions expressed by different circles about possible fate of the post-accord talks between the United States and Iran, the two sides made clear progress in the first session of the high level talks under the framework of Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding – thanks to the hard work and commitment of Pakistani and Qatari mediators. Publicly, the two sides stuck to their usual rhetoric threatening to use force and other tactics to advance their objectives but it was because of their positive attitude that the mediators have reported progress including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks. As per joint statement of Pakistan and Qatar, building on the MoU, the two sides have agreed on the establishment of a High Level Committee, which will provide political oversight on mediation. More importantly, the High Level Committee has agreed upon a roadmap towards achieving a final deal within 60 days as envisaged in the MoU.
In view of the complexity and sensitivity of the issues involved, the outcome of the first session of high level talks is encouraging in that it has paved the way for immediate commencement of further technical talks. The parties and the mediators seem to be mindful to the danger of sporadic violations of the ceasefire spiraling into a serious conflict as they agreed upon establishment of a communication line between the United States and Iran to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Proper and timely usage of this mechanism could not only avert any ominous development but would also send a positive message for global trade and oil supplies through the channel. The joint statement said both sides had also agreed on the creation of a “de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the mediators, to ensure the adherence to the termination of military operations in Lebanon as per the MoU”. In fact, there was already an understanding for cessation of hostilities on all fronts including Lebanon but the Jewish State is proving a major hurdle in implementation of this provision as its interest lies in continuation of the war.
The working and output of the de-confliction cell depends on the ability of the United States and Qatar, which maintain closer ties with Tel Aviv, to persuade the Israeli Prime Minister not to sabotage the peace process. That the two sides are committed to the MoU despite reservations on some aspects of implementation is evident from the fact that it has been decided in the first session of talks that technical level discussions will continue for the rest of the week. Chief negotiators will report regularly to the high-level committee and lead working groups focused on nuclear and sanctions issues and a monitoring and dispute resolution group to ensure the effective implementation of the MoU and on other matters. The mediators have expressed their determination to do their utmost to ensure that the negotiations continue to be conducted in a constructive atmosphere with the aim of reaching a final deal. In fact, the remarks made by the US Vice President JD Vance about sincere efforts made by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and head of the Iranian delegation Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf speak of the continued trust that Pakistan enjoys of the two sides, which itself is a sort of guarantee for continued progress in weeks ahead. The satisfaction of the Iranian side was highlighted by a post on ‘X’ by Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi who observed “tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end the Lebanon war”. No doubt, a lot of work remains to be done but achievements so far spark confidence about the positive conclusion of the peace process.
