Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan and Qatar have intensified diplomatic efforts to salvage the fragile US-Iran peace process, with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, holding a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi amid escalating military hostilities in the region .

According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Araghchi strongly condemned the recent US strikes on Iranian territory, describing them as clear violations of the UN Charter and the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that had established a framework for peace between the two nations . The Iranian foreign minister warned against any “adventurism” by US forces and reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security .

Pakistan and Qatar Lead Mediation Efforts

The phone contact came as Pakistan and Qatar—the two key mediators who facilitated the Islamabad MoU signed in June—mounted a fresh diplomatic push to prevent the collapse of the peace process . Diplomatic sources indicate that both Islamabad and Doha are in close contact with Washington and Tehran, urging both sides to end hostilities and return to the negotiating table in accordance with the existing agreement .

This intensified diplomatic engagement follows two days of US airstrikes on Iranian provinces, which killed at least 14 people and injured 78 others, and Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The exchanges effectively shattered the fragile ceasefire that had been in place since the signing of the Islamabad MoU .

Future of Peace Process Uncertain

Prior to the latest escalation, US and Iranian negotiators were scheduled to hold technical talks in Islamabad within one to two weeks. Those plans are now in doubt as mediators focus on the immediate priority of de-escalation . Neither Iran nor the United States has formally withdrawn from the MoU, though both sides have accused each other of violating its terms .

Diplomatic observers suggest that the coming days will be critical for the future of the peace accord. While Pakistan remains confident that the current situation will not escalate into full-scale war, sources acknowledge that further clashes cannot be ruled out given the complexity of the issues involved .

A key point of contention has been the implementation of provisions related to Lebanon, where Israeli military operations continued despite the MoU’s requirements. Iran insisted it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for global oil supplies—until there was full implementation of the ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, while Washington took a different stance on linking these issues .

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has also engaged with Iranian officials, stressing that both parties must commit to diplomacy and implement the signed MoU to end the conflict .