This op-ed was originally published at Middle East Eye
With the official signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to suspend hostilities across all fronts taking place in France on Wednesday, all eyes are on whether this deal can hold.
The agreement does not address all the fundamental issues at play, but rather creates a framework for future negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, which could yet derail the diplomatic process.
Furthermore, it is an open question as to whether the deal can withstand Israeli efforts to torpedo the prospects for peace by continuing its war of aggression in Lebanon.
Despite these challenges, the signing is a major step in the right direction for a negotiated settlement to end the most consequential global crisis of the 21st century.
Behind the headlines, this week's agreement is the product of months of patient and cumulative diplomatic efforts by multiple states and organisations.
Pakistan takes much credit for its consistent and clear leadership of the multi-party mediation, sustaining a process involving two unpredictable and powerful conflict parties, in the face of enormous global public pressure. It also coalesced a diplomatic front including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Notably, Pakistan appears to have taken a leaf out of Qatar's book, utilising its unique set of relationships and communication channels to act as an effective go-between.
Pragmatic approach
Alongside Pakistan, Qatar played a key role in brokering the Iran-US deal. Over the past week, Qatari delegations twice touched down in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials - including 17 hours of intense negotiations throughout Sunday that culminated in the agreement.
Further talks are scheduled to take place in Doha throughout this week. While Qatar's profile as a mediator in global conflicts has risen dramatically in recent years, with the Gulf nation proving adept at utilising its strategic reach and a pragmatic approach to peacemaking, its involvement in the latest deal may come as a surprise to some observers.
In the run-up to the war, Oman and Qatar jointly brokered a series of negotiations between US and Iranian delegations. Oman served as facilitator, while Qatar played the role of go-between, passing messages between the two sides.
UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell judged that a deal was within reach at that stage. However, these efforts dramatically broke down when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February.....