The Middle East: Iran between diplomacy and the threat of a new war The mediators are trying to stop the escalation In recent days, Pakistan, Qatar and several other countries have stepped up their efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table. Diplomatic contacts are developing against the background of the increased American military presence and reports that Israel is preparing new attacks.
According to the American newspaper "Wall Street Journal", the brokers are seeking to overcome the impasse that has lasted for many months. Among the proposals discussed are the partial release of Iranian foreign assets in exchange for concessions on the nuclear program, the return of international inspectors and the possible transfer of some of the enriched uranium reserves to Russia.
For Iran, such proposals are not easy. The nuclear issue cannot be considered separately from sanctions, threats of military attack and restrictions on oil exports. If Tehran is pressured to make concessions without offering credible guarantees of security and economic aid, it will be difficult to achieve a sustainable agreement.
At the same time, refusing to make compromises is also dangerous. The longer the dispute continues, the more likely it is that the political disputes will be resolved by military means. Pakistan and Qatar are key negotiation channels Islamabad's diplomatic activity has taken on special importance. On October 20, the commander of the Pakistani army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran for meetings with the Iranian leadership. The visit took place after negotiations between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian officials. Qatar continues to participate in the transfer of proposals between Washington and Tehran. On October 27, negotiations took place in Moscow between the presidents of Russia and Iran, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezhkian. From the Iranian point of view, the participation of several mediators is beneficial: it allows contacts to be held even when direct negotiations are blocked.