ISLAMABAD – Initial proposals exchanged between Iran and the United States via Pakistan have failed to break the deadlock, as Islamabad now awaits a revised set of proposals from Tehran, seeking an end to the war that has already disrupted oil supplies and threatened the global economy.
Amid growing uncertainty, the messages from both Iran and the US are mixed. US President Donald Trump posted a mocked-up image of himself holding a gun and wearing aviator sunglasses on his Truth Social platform, alongside a warning for Iran. “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY,” the text on the image reads, alongside an image of the American flag.
Trump also had a message for Iran in an early morning post, writing, “Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a non-nuclear deal. They better get smart soon! President DJT.”
Backchannels Remain Active
Despite Trump’s posturing, indications are that backchannels are still active to prevent a worst-case scenario. On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, for the first time, gave more details of Pakistan’s mediation efforts and indicated that a response from Tehran was awaited.
The prime minister told the cabinet that Iran’s Foreign Minister, after traveling to Islamabad twice and then to Oman and Russia, spoke to him. “I spoke with him (Araghchi) on the phone, and he assured me that detailed meetings had been held and that, after consultations with the leadership, a response would be given as soon as possible,” Shehbaz added, without divulging further details.
The prime minister’s remarks suggested that a detailed response from Tehran on how to end the war has yet to be received.
Pakistan at the UN Security Council
Amid a fragile Gaza ceasefire and worsening humanitarian crisis, Pakistan told the United Nations Security Council that it stands for universal respect for international law and pacific settlement of disputes and remains actively engaged in advancing diplomatic pathways towards peace and stability in the Middle East.
“The root cause of instability in the Middle East remains the unresolved question of Palestine and the continued Israeli occupation of the Arab lands,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, said in a debate on the situation in the Middle East.
“Not the expansionist ambitions; not the illegal wars, it is the vacation of occupation, for realization of a Palestinian state, the two-State solution, that is the only viable framework for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace,” he added.
Gaza Ceasefire Violations
In his remarks, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said more than 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire’s announcement, underscoring both the scale of the crisis and the sensitivity of the situation. “It is essential to fully respect and consolidate the ceasefire, and ensure sustained, unhindered and scaled up humanitarian assistance.”
Analysis: The Waiting Game
Islamabad is now waiting for Tehran’s ‘revised’ peace plan. The initial proposals exchanged between Iran and the US via Pakistan have failed to break the deadlock. Trump’s social media posts — “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY” and “They better get smart soon” — suggest that the US president’s patience is wearing thin.
But backchannels remain active. Prime Minister Shehbaz’s statement that Iran’s Foreign Minister assured him a response would be given “as soon as possible” indicates that communication lines are still open.
The fact that Iran’s foreign minister traveled to Islamabad twice, then to Oman and Russia, and then spoke to the prime minister by phone, suggests a flurry of diplomatic activity. But activity is not progress.
The core issues remain unresolved: Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and the US blockade. Tehran’s “revised” plan, when it comes, will be scrutinised for signs of flexibility.
As the world waits, the situation in Gaza worsens — with over 800 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire announcement, according to Pakistan’s UN ambassador. The Middle East remains on edge.
