Qatar calls for more time in Pakistan-mediated US-Iran negotiations

Qatar has called for more time for ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran that are being mediated by Pakistan. The appeal came after US President Donald Trump canceled a planned military strike against Iran at the last minute. Simultaneously, Iran's military warned of opening "new fronts" against the US should attacks resume.

"We support the diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan to bring the parties closer together and find a solution, and we believe they require more time," said Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari at a press conference in Doha on Tuesday. Qatar is positioning itself as a supporter of Pakistan's mediating role in the conflict that has been ongoing since February.

Trump announced on Monday that he had called off a planned attack on Iran just one hour before making the final decision. The US President justified this by citing a "very good chance" of reaching an agreement with Tehran. However, he left open the possibility of further military action, stating that the US may need to hit Iran again.

Iran's military responded with sharp warnings about possible further US attacks. An army spokesman announced that Iran would "open new fronts" against the United States if attacks were to resume. Additionally, the Iranian military emphasized that it had used the shaky ceasefire in place since April 8 as an opportunity "to strengthen its combat capabilities."

The diplomatic efforts are running through Pakistani intermediaries, through whom both sides are exchanging proposals. According to Iranian sources, Tehran has submitted a revised 14-point plan through the Pakistani mediators. However, details about the contents of this plan were not disclosed. Pakistan is thus taking on a central role in deescalation efforts between the two conflicting parties.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply criticized US behavior during a meeting with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. He described the "contradictory and excessive behaviors" of Washington as a serious obstacle to diplomacy. Araghchi attributed Iran's deep mistrust of the US to repeated breaches of promises by Washington, but emphasized that Tehran had entered the diplomatic talks from a "responsible outlook."

Pakistani Interior Minister Naqvi expressed hope that Pakistan could help contribute to efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. Pakistan's mediating role between the US and Iran represents a remarkable diplomatic development, as the country traditionally maintains close relationships with both sides.

The current conflict between the US and Iran began on February 28 with US strikes and led to an escalation that was only interrupted by the ceasefire that came into effect on April 8. However, this ceasefire is considered fragile, and both sides have continued their military preparations. Trump justified his Iran policy by saying he would not allow Iran to "blow up the world," regardless of whether his stance was popular or not.

Qatar's demand for more time for negotiations underscores the complexity of the diplomatic efforts. While Pakistani mediation is seen as a hopeful approach to deescalation, the positions of both sides remain far apart. The coming days will show whether diplomatic channels can enable a lasting solution to the conflict or whether military tensions will escalate again.

The international community is closely watching these developments, as the conflict has broader implications for regional stability in the Middle East. The involvement of multiple mediators, including Pakistan as the primary intermediary and Qatar as a supporter of the diplomatic process, demonstrates the international concern about the potential for further escalation between the two powers.