Crucial parleys

Islamabad being part of the dialogue process between Iran and the US is a promising development. That simply provides credence to the fact that Pakistan has been canvassing for a congenial solution to the dispute between the two countries, in an earnest attempt to avoid a war in the region. The bilateral talks between Tehran and Washington are scheduled in Ankara on Friday, and have come after a lot of painstaking conversations between the stakeholders, including the Arab states and European allies. While Turkiye is already facilitating the dialogue with its apt presence, the recognition of Pakistan testifies to its successful outreach in world affairs and the confidence it enjoys in diplomatic circles.

The Foreign Office yesterday confirmed that Pakistan has been invited to the table, and the Deputy Prime Minister will be part of parleys. The talks have come as the Iranian President formally gave a go-ahead for rubbing shoulders with the Americans on the desire of President Trump. This is meant to pursue an understanding with the US on Iran's ambitious nuclear programme. Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff agreed on a composite dialogue, spanning intricate issues such as uranium enrichment, inspection of nuclear sites and terrorism in the Mideast. Iran has, however, refused to entertain any probes on its missile programme, and that could turn out to be a bone of contention.

Pakistan, earlier too, had proactively been part of informal mediation between Iran and the US, enabling softening of stances during the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June last year. Similarly, high-level contacts with Tehran have bred the necessary space for playing a constructive role. And it is laudable that Washington had itself invited Islamabad to be a part of it. Pakistan must put forward the fears of mass scale displacement, terror revulsion and humanitarian crisis in case of a war breaking out in the region. It's an opportunity for Ankara and Islamabad to act as honest brokers for clinching a deal of the century, and let the nuclear riddle be settled, ultimately paving the way for lifting of sanctions on Iran.