AS the threat of renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran lingers, a parallel diplomatic process — facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan — is attempting to avert a devastating return to hostilities.

Iranian negotiators were in Doha on Sunday to take part in indirect talks aimed at working out a deal, even as speculation of fresh attacks on Iran, following today’s midterm polls in America, continued.

US President Donald Trump has not helped matters by toying with the idea of new attacks. The ice was broken late last month when US Vice-President J.D. Vance wrote a letter to Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei.

Mr Vance reportedly prefers a diplomatic solution. Earlier, he had led his country’s delegation during April’s historic talks in Islamabad. The letter has been well received in Tehran, with Gen Rezaei calling its tone “positive”.

Writing to the Iranian security chief was an intelligent move and has begun to show results. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that if the US meets his country’s demands, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened within two days. That outcome would be welcomed not only by the Gulf states and other regional countries but also by the international community at large, as states across the world have felt the impact of the strait’s closure and the attendant restrictions on trade and oil and gas flows.

Mr Vance’s letter has reportedly asked for guarantees regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. On its part, Tehran wants an end to both the sanctions and the US blockade, as well as other concessions from America.

Both sides must show flexibility if this push for peace is to succeed.

Though the diplomatic progress is welcome, the process could be torpedoed if the US and Israel go ahead with their attack plans. Media reports indicate that Washington and Tel Aviv are prepared to resume hostilities after the midterms. However, US Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who has been briefed on the plans, has described the latter as “insane” and likely to cause a “devastating escalation”.

The Iranian Supreme Leader, on the other hand, has ordered his forces to retaliate to any attack “without geographical restriction”.

It would be very irresponsible of the US and Israel to scuttle peace efforts and spark a potentially massive conflict. The regional states do not want war as they are aware of the destruction it will bring. It is time for more mature officials within the US administration, such as Mr Vance, to take the lead in ensuring that the peace process continues unimpeded, while warmongers in America and Israel must be isolated.

If this brief opportunity for peace is wasted, sparking a wider conflict, the blame will rest squarely with the US president and the bloodthirsty Zionist regime.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026