TEHRAN — Diplomatic activity between Iran and the United States has entered a visibly accelerated phase, with Pakistan, Qatar and other regional actors seeking to bridge gaps between Tehran and Washington in an effort to shape a possible framework of understanding.

Yet despite the growing pace, with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visiting Tehran, Iranian officials were simultaneously attempting not to raise expectations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stressed on Friday that while diplomacy has reached a "decisive stage," the two sides are "not necessarily close" to reaching an agreement, adding that differences remain "deep and wide," according to the state-run Tasnim News Agency.

US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have also acknowledged uncertainty, saying Washington is still awaiting outcomes from Tehran. Even President Donald Trump has suggested Iran is eager for a deal while also warning that military options remain on the table.

The gap between diplomatic momentum and political substance is becoming increasingly visible — and at the center of it lies a fundamental question: How much is Iran actually prepared to concede in any potential memorandum of understanding?