Doha, 26 July 2026 (Anadolu/QNA)

Pakistan and Qatar have intensified their diplomatic efforts to facilitate communication between the United States and Iran as both sides explore options to ease months of escalating tensions. According to Pakistani government sources cited by Anadolu Agency, the two mediators have been actively exchanging messages between Washington and Tehran after both countries responded to a joint proposal aimed at ending the conflict through dialogue.

The renewed mediation follows US President Donald Trump's decision to pause the latest wave of airstrikes against Iran after nearly two weeks of sustained military operations. Sources familiar with the discussions said Islamabad and Doha recently presented a joint de-escalation framework urging both sides to return to their pre-July 9 positions as a confidence-building step before formal negotiations resume.

Although officials have not disclosed details of the responses, diplomatic sources said both Washington and Tehran have indicated a willingness to pursue diplomacy and restart negotiations. The temporary halt in military action has raised hopes that direct talks could soon resume.

However, mediators cautioned that the situation remains fragile. They warned that renewed tensions, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, or violations of the current pause could quickly derail progress. Pakistan and Qatar are maintaining close contact with both governments to preserve the calm and create conditions for further negotiations, while diplomats remain concerned that hardliners on either side could undermine diplomatic efforts.

Under the proposed roadmap, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, while the United States would ease restrictions on Iranian ports and lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports. The proposal also calls for a two-week ceasefire to provide space for broader negotiations. If accepted, talks would resume immediately, with implementation of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon also expected to feature on the agenda.

Iran has confirmed receiving mediation proposals and said it is reviewing them while reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy. Pakistan, which helped facilitate earlier ceasefire efforts, has continued working with Qatar to encourage a lasting political settlement.

Regional diplomatic engagement has also intensified. Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate telephone conversations with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, focusing on negotiations between Tehran and Washington and broader regional stability.

Meanwhile, a second consecutive night passed without reported US or Iranian strikes, marking the first sustained lull after weeks of bombardment. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Trump is allowing room for diplomacy while keeping military options available if necessary.

Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said joint operations with the United States had significantly weakened Iran's nuclear capabilities and warned Israel would respond forcefully to any future attacks. Qatar also reaffirmed its support for dialogue, stressing the importance of honoring commitments under the existing US-Iran memorandum of understanding, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and advancing lasting regional stability through diplomacy.