Mediators Work on a U.S.-Iranian Understanding to Revive the "Islamabad Agreement"

Diplomatic sources revealed that mediators are working on formulating a U.S.-Iranian understanding that paves the way for reviving the "Islamabad Understanding," at a time when communication channels between Washington and Tehran remain open despite the stalling of direct negotiations.

The sources also confirmed to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath on Tuesday that the lack of trust between the two parties has hindered direct talks in New York.

They pointed out that both sides feel frustrated with the results of the current negotiations, which has led mediators to continue indirect communications in an effort to bridge positions and prepare the ground for resuming the path that led to the Islamabad Understanding.

At the same time, Qatar confirmed its ongoing mediation between Washington and Tehran. The spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majid bin Muhammad Al-Ansari, stated today that Doha is assisting in the exchange of messages and organizing meetings between the two parties.

He also noted that several meetings and exchanges of messages have taken place in recent days, including communications in New York. Al-Ansari added that Doha's efforts aim to build a common ground for resolving the disputes between Washington and Tehran, according to what was reported by the TASS news agency.

The Qatari mediation comes at a time when Doha is coordinating with other mediators to keep communication channels open between the two parties, after participating in the process that led to the Islamabad understanding in June, alongside Pakistan.

It is worth noting that the "Islamabad Understanding" was signed on June 17, establishing a framework for halting military operations and paving the way for broader negotiations between the United States and Iran, with arrangements related to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear file, and sanctions. The process also stipulated the continuation of negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement within a specified timeframe.

Then, the following day, high-level talks began in Switzerland with the participation of Iran, the United States, Qatar, and Pakistan, culminating in the formation of a high political committee and working groups for nuclear files, sanctions, monitoring mechanisms, and dispute resolution, along with the establishment of a communication line between the two parties to avoid misunderstandings and secure commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the process later faced setbacks, and confrontation escalated again, while key issues remained unresolved between Washington and Tehran. With renewed communications during the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York, attempts to revive a negotiating formula based on the previous understanding emerged again instead of starting from scratch.

Current communications are focused on a set of files that were present in the Islamabad Understanding, primarily the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. sanctions, the Iranian nuclear program, and the cessation of hostilities.

In recent days, Tehran has proposed a ceasefire that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the blockade, easing sanctions, and releasing frozen Iranian assets, in exchange for resuming negotiations regarding its nuclear program.

Despite ongoing communication channels, trust between the two parties remains an obstacle to moving towards direct negotiations, while Washington and Tehran disagree on the order of steps required before reaching any agreement.

In the latest development, U.S. President Donald Trump denied offering Iran a deal that includes easing sanctions or releasing frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions, while Iranian President Masoud Bezhakian confirmed Tehran's readiness for dialogue, rejecting what he described as coercive pressures.

As mediators attempt to bridge the trust gap and revive negotiation channels, the current focus is on reaching an understanding that allows for de-escalation and opens the way for broader negotiations, which may revive the framework established by the 'Islamabad Understanding' rather than crafting an entirely new path.