Pakistan army cautiously optimistic on US-Iran mediation

Diplomatic efforts to end the eight-month war between the United States and Iran continued this week, with an Iranian delegation holding talks in Doha and Pakistan's military expressing "cautious optimism" about mediation.

The foreign ministers of both countries have said a diplomatic solution remains possible, according to Al Jazeera. No direct US-Iran talks are planned, but Qatari mediators are involved, with an Iranian delegation in Doha. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader has instructed the military to be ready to defend the country.

Pakistan's army spokesman, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, told Reuters on Friday that there were positive signs in de-escalation efforts. Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has visited Tehran twice this month, most recently on Monday with Saudi and Turkish officials. Chaudhry said the trips suggest "positivity" but added, "The word that we would use is always cautiously optimistic." He also warned of "powerful spoilers and detractors" who may seek to obstruct mediation, without naming them.

Qatari mediators also arrived in Tehran this week in another bid to revive the June ceasefire that collapsed months later. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin joined Munir on Monday. Their countries signed a joint defence pact with Pakistan in August, treating an attack on one as an attack on all.

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