Pakistan relays revised Iran-US offer

Pakistan said on May 18 it had delivered a revised Iranian proposal to the United States, adding a new step in indirect contacts between Tehran and Washington as wider mediation efforts continued. A Pakistani source told Reuters the proposal was meant to help end the Middle East war, but said the talks remained stuck on major issues. Iran later confirmed that its position had been passed to the American side through Pakistan. RFE/RL reported separately that Pakistan’s mediation has run alongside diplomatic coordination with China, which has backed de-escalation efforts and public calls for a cease-fire. Those contacts help explain why Pakistan keeps appearing as the messenger rather than the venue alone. ### What exactly did Pakistan say it relayed? A Pakistani source told Reuters on May 18 that Islamabad had shared “a revised proposal” from Iran with the United States. (usnews.com) The source said, “We don’t have much time,” and added that both sides “keep changing their goalposts.” Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, confirmed the same day that Tehran’s views had been “conveyed to the American side through mediator Pakistan.” He did not give details of the contents. (rferl.org) ### Which issues were still blocking progress? Reuters reported on May 18 that the main disputes included Iran’s nuclear program and its control of the Strait of Hormuz. (usnews.com) The report also said Tehran wanted an end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and had ruled out discussing its nuclear program before what it called a permanent end to hostilities. The same Reuters report said Iran was also seeking compensation for war damage, an end to the U.S. naval blockade, guarantees against further attacks, and the resumption of Iranian oil sales. Baghaei said Tehran was prepared “for all scenarios” and warned that Iran knew how to respond to “even the smallest mistake from the opposing side.” (usnews.com) ### Why is Pakistan the go-between here? Pakistan had already presented itself in March as a conduit between Tehran and Washington. RFE/RL reported that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on March 26 that Islamabad had been serving as a channel for message exchanges between the two sides. RFE/RL also reported on May 12 that Pakistan’s role had drawn scrutiny in Washington after reports that Iranian aircraft were parked at a Pakistani air base near Rawalpindi. (usnews.com) Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry called those reports “misleading and sensationalized,” while U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said that, if accurate, they would require “a complete reevaluation” of Pakistan’s role as mediator. (rferl.org) ### Where does China fit into this week’s diplomacy? China and Pakistan announced a joint diplomatic push on March 31 after talks in Beijing between Wang Yi and Ishaq Dar, according to RFE/RL. The initiative called for an immediate cease-fire, the start of peace negotiations, and steps to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. RFE/RL said China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that Beijing and Islamabad would “jointly advocate for peace and justice” and work to “promote reconciliation and prevent conflict.” Pakistan’s government, for its part, said both Iran and the United States had expressed confidence in its facilitation role. (rferl.org) ### Did the talks move any closer after that May 18 message? (rferl.org) RFE/RL reported on May 24 that U.S. President Donald Trump had said a deal was “largely negotiated” but still required finalization, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “good news” could come later that day. The same live report said Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had confirmed speaking with Trump and other leaders and had vowed to continue mediation efforts. (rferl.org) May 24 is the next concrete point to watch. RFE/RL said U.S. media began reporting late on May 23 on possible terms of a memorandum of understanding, while Rubio said further developments could emerge within hours. (rferl.org)