Pakistan conducts secret mediation to ease US-Iran tensions
A senior Pakistani official has stated that Islamabad is utilising back-channel diplomatic routes to de-escalate tensions between the US and Iran, despite the current political deadlock. The official, who according to The Guardian has direct knowledge of the multilateral contacts, confirmed that Pakistan’s offer to facilitate communication remains active. Speaking to The Guardian on Monday, the official stated: "We are actively involved in efforts to resolve US-Iran tensions." He added that the previous understanding remains in place and Pakistan continues to engage with both sides. According to the official, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been in contact with senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff, describing these as "substantive negotiations focused on regional stability and de-escalation." Islamabad is simultaneously maintaining open communication channels with Tehran. The official noted that Asim Munir has held lengthy, multi-hour discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He added that Pakistan maintains channels with both capitals and believes dialogue is the only practical path to prevent the spread of regional conflict. Without providing specific details, the official claimed Pakistan holds a unique position to advance quiet diplomacy due to the trust it enjoys from both sides. These remarks come as US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he is prepared to authorise a major strike against Iran, though he prefers that Tehran agree to a deal preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump said: "I think we might get something, but I want to give them one last chance before I go for the decapitation option." He acknowledged that such a strike would be "very difficult" but remains on the table. Trump emphasised that he prefers a diplomatic solution, stating, "I give people a chance," noting that an attack of that scale could result in significant casualties. Trump also labelled Iranian officials as "incredibly two-faced" after Tehran rejected direct negotiations with Washington. On Truth Social, Trump claimed Iranian officials had requested a meeting, that talks had begun, and that further discussions were planned; Tehran has denied this, stating it is only in contact with Oman. Trump had announced on Saturday that he had called off a planned strike on Iran, but warned the Islamic Republic must quickly agree to a deal. On Sunday, he claimed US-Iran talks would resume on Monday and alleged that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran had asked him to halt the strike. Trump further suggested that a deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear disarmament could prevent significant loss of life.