Backchannel Diplomacy Intensifies: Pakistan pushes US–Iran nuclear breakthrough as Gen Munir holds high-stakes talks in Tehran

TEHRAN: Pakistan’s quiet but high-stakes diplomacy on the US–Iran conflict gathered momentum on Thursday, as Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during a crucial visit aimed at unlocking a breakthrough on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

According to officials familiar with the mediation effort, Islamabad is working to forge a “maximum understanding” between Washington and Tehran within days, focusing on the nuclear issue — the central obstacle to any comprehensive settlement.

Sources revealed that Iran has, in principle, agreed to a Pakistani proposal for third-party monitoring of its nuclear programme, involving four countries alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency. Tehran has reportedly conveyed its acceptance to Field Marshal Munir, while the United States has yet to formally respond.

The proposed framework is seen as a potential compromise, as Washington continues to demand strict, long-term oversight to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. While the US is pushing for a suspension of uranium enrichment for up to 20 years in exchange for sanctions relief, Iran is said to be offering a shorter pause of around five years.

Diplomatic sources suggest that a hybrid arrangement could emerge, possibly extending the moratorium period to 10 years under a jointly monitored mechanism. Technical teams from both sides are currently engaged in continuous message exchanges, with both capitals aiming for the next round of talks to culminate in a formal agreement.

There are also indications that Field Marshal Munir may travel to Washington shortly for direct talks with Donald Trump, although no official confirmation has been issued.

Munir arrived in Tehran on Wednesday as part of Pakistan’s broader mediation push, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The delegation was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who welcomed Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to regional peace.

Iran has confirmed that communication with Washington continues through Pakistani intermediaries. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that multiple messages had been exchanged since the Islamabad talks, with both sides conveying their positions.

He emphasised that while uranium enrichment remains a contentious issue, there is room for negotiation regarding its scale and scope, maintaining that Iran must retain the right to pursue nuclear activity in line with its national needs.

The renewed diplomatic push follows inconclusive direct talks held in Islamabad last weekend, where US and Iranian delegations failed to reach an agreement despite marathon negotiations lasting over 21 hours. The talks were part of efforts to solidify a fragile ceasefire announced earlier by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

That ceasefire, covering multiple regional flashpoints, remains under strain as the deadline approaches, heightening the urgency for a negotiated settlement.

The conflict, which erupted earlier this year, has had far-reaching consequences, with large-scale casualties, regional escalation, and disruptions to global energy markets. Iran’s retaliatory actions have expanded the theatre of conflict, targeting multiple countries and affecting critical shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s mediation efforts — spanning Tehran, Islamabad, and potentially Washington — are increasingly being seen as pivotal to averting a wider regional crisis and securing a lasting diplomatic resolution.