As the situation escalates in the Persian Gulf, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has been visiting various countries to hold consultations and find a way to end the deadlock between Washington and Tehran. Bilateral ties with the United States have progressively unraveled ever since the Trump administration walked out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal and reimposed stringent sanctions on Tehran, bringing Iran's economy to a standstill.

Ending the impasse has become quite critical as the United States has sent an aircraft carrier group and B-52 bombers to the region after perceiving some unspecified threat from Iran. Just days ago, the White House confirmed that it will be sending more troops to the Middle East to reinforce security in the region.

Having completed his visits to India, China, Japan and Turkmenistan, Zarif reached Pakistan this week to hold meetings with the political and army leadership. Conveying the urgent nature of his visit on arrival in Islamabad, Zarif said, “I have come to Pakistan for consultations as dangerous steps have been taken in the region.”

Zarif held separate meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, army chief Qamar Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Though the details of these meetings have not been made public, it is apparent that Iran has requested help in de-escalating the situation.