Last week, a development many considered impossible just months ago became reality. After months of war, covert diplomacy, military escalation and intense backchannel talks, Iran and the United States signed what is now being called the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The 14-point agreement is not a final peace treaty, but an interim arrangement meant to end hostilities and open a path towards a broader Middle East settlement. It commits both sides to an immediate halt in military confrontation, lays out a framework for sanctions relief, sets up a verification mechanism for Iran's nuclear activities and creates direct communication channels between Washington and Tehran. Notably, it also aims to end the conflict involving Lebanon and launch a broader regional dialogue.

What surprised many observers was how much the agreement appeared to favour Iran. For years, US administrations had demanded Tehran dismantle much of its nuclear infrastructure and curb its regional influence before receiving........

© The Express Tribune