MUCH is being written and shared across global print and electronic media about the US-Iran talks. Needless to say, while the spoilers remain fully engaged in deploying every conceivable negative stratagem to make it a fragile deal, the peace makers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding is viable. This article argues that that in pursuit of fostering gradual incrementalism, Pakistan , as the core mediator of the deal , has tried its level best to craft a fourteen- point framework, which may serve as the harbinger of future conflict resolution between the US and Iran. Adherence to this incrementalism requires both sides to address the underlying issues via a steady, gradual process of conflict-diffusion. As the chief peace mediator, Pakistan is soon expected to convene the next round of technical talks between Washington and Tehran.
The 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) serves as a framework for incremental conflict resolution between the U.S. and Iran, focusing on de-escalation, mutual trust-building and practical cooperation. Key elements include halting military strikes, restoring commercial access to the Strait of Hormuz and establishing diplomatic channels. By emphasizing phased, verifiable steps, the MoU aims to create a foundation for long-term stability in the Middle East. Its reliance on incrementalism reflects a pragmatic approach to overcoming deep-seated mistrust, positioning Pakistan as a potential mediator in regional diplomacy.
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (IMoU) approaches peace as a progressive, step-by-step process rather than an all-or-nothing treaty. It is structured specifically to foster gradual progress through the following mechanics. Pakistan anchored its 14 point agenda indoctrinated by gradual incrementalism thereby betting that sweeping bargains fail where mistrust run deep. Instead of demanding instant normalization, Islamabad sequenced in de-escalation. Securing immediate ceasefires and economic relief while preventing the talks from collapsing early over a single high-stakes deadlock. Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir through his strategic peace intellectualism devised the template of Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (IMOU), which provided strategic pause in Us-Iran active hostilities.
Initially, by deferring the most polarizing structural issues, such as dismantling Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile and easing long-term sanctions. Arguably, Pakistan proposed a step- by -step approach based on 5 C’s of conflict resolution—calmness, clarity, communication, collaboration and compromise– may help lead both Washington and Tehran off-ramps at each stage, so neither side has to risk domestic backlash for a single grand concession. Further, IMOU fostered restraint pragmatism, thereby recognizing US security concerns and Iran’s sovereignty concerns without forcing either side to capitulate upfront.
By mediating the IMoU and while using bridge diplomacy, Pakistan has positioned itself as an indispensable “middle power” and an architect of “peace, thereby consequently shifting the paradigm of Middle Eastern diplomacy away from military escalation and toward structured, incremental negotiations. Facilitating this breakthrough has allowed Pakistan to move past traditional global stereotypes, securing maximum diplomatic leverage by bridging the gap between Washington and Tehran when all other diplomatic avenues had broken down.
In tandem with incremental steps, Pakistan actively employs pivotal diplomatic doctrines to stabilize the region: Pakistan uses its critical geographic position and regional security dependencies as a lever to command a seat at the negotiating table. Pakistan mediation doctrine centres on enforcing recognized legal norms to lower the temperature when military hostilities break out. Following remained the most significant Weltanschauungs of Pakistan’s strategic discourse vis-à-vis US-Iran mediation.
1- Sovereignty First: Pakistan has built frameworks strictly centred on the mutual peaceful settlement of disputes and the absolute observation of state sovereignty under international law.2- Anti-escalation de-escalation: It proactively condemns unilateral acts of force by any regional party, using public diplomacy to push both sides toward strict military restraint. 3-The Intermediary doctrine: Leveraging its unique cross-cutting relationships and deep historical ties (Iran was the first nation to recognize Pakistan) to act as the primary intermediary when direct channels between the US and Iran collapse.4-Strategic balancing act: Islamabad maintained open channels with Washington and Tehran while simultaneously managing its Strategic Mutual Defense Pact with Saudi Arabia and keeping skeptical Gulf monarchies aligned.
5- Providing security guarantees: Demonstrating its capacity as a “hard state,” Pakistan reportedly deployed fighter jets and its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWECS) to shield Iranian negotiators from external threats, proving it could back its diplomacy with credible security.6-Pragmatic neutrality: Balancing relationships with both Western powers and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which ensures Islamabad is viewed as a secure, neutral platform for dialogue rather than an aligned adversary.
7-Deterrence through strategy: Utilizing its geostrategic position to discourage wider regional conflict, which serves as a vital national security priority to prevent domestic economic spillovers and migration crises.8-Geography as imperative: Because Pakistan shares a nearly 1,000-kilometer border with Iran, regional stability is viewed as a domestic national security requirement rather than a choice.9-Chokepoint stabilization: Its diplomacy actively focuses on preventing disruptions to global energy corridors, such as the vital Strait of Hormuz, which gives Western powers a massive incentive to support Pakistani mediation. 10-Peace in Gaza: The success of the deal will cast a triggering affect upon Gaza peace process, 11-UNSC authorisation: The finality of the deal will get the authorization from the United Nations Security Council.
In summary, Pakistan’s mediation between the U.S. and Iran has been intrinsically shaped by gradual incrementalism and strategic pivot doctrines, leveraging its balanced relations with both powers. By fostering its mediatory role, Pakistan has positioned itself as a credible conflict pacifier and peace weaver on the world stage. What Pakistan is known for today: turning an impossible reconciliatory task into a working possibility, building consensus among decades -old irreconcilable adversaries and leading with pragmatic precision when both sides, Iran and the US seem stuck in a trust-deficit. This is where incrementalism gets tested. Thus, by convening the next round of technical talks between the US and Iran, Pakistan is not just mediating a dispute – it is reserving the credit to rewrite the rules for the US-Iran peace deal– one of the world’s most challenging conflict resolutions.
—The writer, based in Pakistan, an independent IR & International Law analyst, also a Peace and Conflict Studies expert, is member of the European Consortium of Political Research, including Washington Foreign Law Society/American Society of International Law.
