Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts to broker an understanding between Washington and Tehran are continuing, with regional Arab and Muslim nations serving as intermediaries. Pakistan has emerged as the lead mediator in these efforts.
Pakistan's defense minister traveled to Tehran earlier today for another round of discussions. After the meetings, he returned to Pakistan and briefed the prime minister on the talks' outcomes. According to subsequent reports, Pakistani officials conveyed a message to Trump expressing "optimism" that an agreement can be reached, but emphasized that it will require additional time because Iran believes it is negotiating from a position of strength.
The Pakistani mediators also sent messages to the White House recommending that the initial ceasefire framework be extended beyond the 60-day period. Additionally, Arab media outlets reported that intermediaries conveyed to both sides that the verbal confrontations between Washington and Tehran "are not helpful to the process" and should be toned down.
Given the pressure President Trump is exerting to close the deal quickly, combined with the patience Iran is attempting to project, the process is expected to take considerable time.
