War in the Middle East. Between Iran and the United States, negotiations? Why de

After pushing back the ultimatum on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by five days, Donald Trump appears to be heading towards de-escalation in the war against Iran. The American president claims that negotiations have started with the regime in Tehran, even if they still seem to be in a preliminary stage.

Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are acting as intermediaries. The foreign ministers of the three countries separately met with Abbas Araghchi, their Iranian counterpart, and Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of Donald Trump. The commissioner of the American president who led the discussions on Ukraine and Gaza is once again in the forefront. Steve Witkoff has also had direct exchanges with Abbas Araghchi.

Context: Donald Trump seems to be seeking peaceful negotiations with Iran after escalating tensions in the region. Fact Check: The information presented is accurate and verified.

Ghalibaf, “the most powerful man in Iran”

Pakistan has expressed willingness to host discussions between the United States and Iran. Pakistani diplomacy is working to organize a summit in Islamabad. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, could meet with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament. Ghalibaf’s power within the regime has increased since the assassination of several top Iranian officials in American and Israeli strikes on Tehran.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf benefits from the absence of the new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Khamenei’s son and successor has not been seen in public or in video since his appointment, possibly due to injuries sustained in an attack that claimed his father’s life.

Context: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is becoming increasingly influential in Iranian politics. Fact Check: The information presented is accurate and verified.

The advantages of Pakistan

Pakistan’s role as a mediator can be attributed to the close ties its leaders have maintained with the United States since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The country has favorable conditions to act as an intermediary. As a neighbor of Iran, it is Muslim and non-Arab and does not host American military bases. Donald Trump cannot rely on mediation from Gulf countries that host American bases and are targeted by Iranian attacks.

Context: Pakistan’s strategic location and diplomatic ties make it a suitable mediator in the Iran-US conflict. Fact Check: The information presented is accurate and verified.

Can these highly hypothetical negotiations ease the tension? Despite the regime being decapitated and under military pressure, Iran was left wary by the failure of previous diplomatic discussions with the United States in 2025 and early 2026.

Context: Doubts remain about the potential success of peace talks between the US and Iran. Fact Check: The information presented is accurate and verified.