Islamabad is moving behind the scenes through diplomatic channels in an effort to end the hostilities, with the United States awaiting the outcome of a critical mission by a Pakistani mediator to Tehran.

Pakistan is once again taking on a “key” role in the backchannel negotiations aimed at ending the war in Iran, as global concerns over the impact of the hostilities in the Middle East continue to intensify.

The United States is expressing cautious optimism regarding the resumption of talks, as officials await the visit of a Pakistani mediator to Tehran.

“I believe the Pakistanis are going to Tehran tomorrow (Friday), and we hope that this will allow things to move forward,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said yesterday before departing for Sweden to attend a NATO summit.

Rubio also referred to progress in the indirect talks.

According to Iranian news agency ISNA, the powerful chief of Pakistan’s army staff, Asim Munir, is expected in Tehran to “continue talks with Iranian officials.”

Pakistan, however, has not officially confirmed the trip.

Islamabad has recently intensified its mediation efforts. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Tehran twice within a matter of days to deliver the latest American proposal, which the Iranian side confirmed it is reviewing.

Iran, however, continues to maintain a non-negotiable stance regarding its terms, stressing that it will never back down in the face of intimidation.

Source: CNN.gr