Pakistan army chief in Tehran: Can diplomacy prevent new US-Iran fighting?

aljazeera.com · politics
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Pakistan's army chief is in Tehran as talk of a new US-Iran confrontation grows louder. The visit places Islamabad in a delicate diplomatic position because Pakistan maintains close ties with Iran and important relationships with Washington and Riyadh. Pakistani officials are trying to revive negotiations before the escalation talk turns into fighting. Any renewed talks would need to reassure Tehran that Pakistan is not lining up against it. The government also has to avoid giving the United States or Saudi Arabia the impression that Tehran's interests are taking priority. The reported effort is an attempt to keep several negotiating channels open while regional tensions rise. The article does not announce a breakthrough, so the focus remains on whether Pakistan can mediate without damaging its relationships with any of the three capitals.

With new talk of escalation, Islamabad is trying to revive negotiations without alienating Tehran, Riyadh or Washington.

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