Fixing the gaps

The second round of talks between the US and Iran is likely to go ahead in Islamabad this week if proper diplomatic haggling to convince the two sides to see rationality is pushed further. The US delegation is reportedly on its way to the federal capital, whereas the Iranians are in a fix in the wake of a high-sea drama featuring one of their vessels taken over by US Centcom. The good point, however, is that both sides are sticking to diplomacy and have expressed their intentions to go ahead, provided necessary safeguards are set in. President Masoud Pezeshkian's belief that "every rational and diplomatic path should be used to reduce tensions with the US" is a welcome gesture, indicating that Iran is on board for a second round of talks. While both Iran and the US have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir in telephonic conversations with Presidents Masoud and Trump, respectively, have tried to scale down the maximalist positions. The issue at the moment seems to be one of trust deficit, as the arch foes are getting introspective before they go on to sign on the dotted line. This is a common phenomenon which can be addressed through more CBMs and goodwill gestures. The pivotal issue at the moment is the future of Strait of Hormuz i.e. how it has to be navigated in the post-war world order. Serenity is still in vogue, and there is all the hope that the ceasefire ending on April 22 (tomorrow) will be extended, providing more room for consensus building across the table. Pakistan's hectic diplomatic efforts, which are now lauded globally, are an opportunity in disaster and deserve success. President Trump's desire to travel to Islamabad if a deal is reached awaits some more fence-mending with the Iranians. The involvement of Beijing in the process is a value-added instrument in realpolitik, and must come as a guarantee for both Tehran and Washington on contentious issues. The posturing must take a backseat.