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US-Iran talks likely to start in Islamabad next week: report

US-Iran talks

Islamabad: Negotiations between the United States and Iran are expected to resume in Islamabad next week, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper reported that both sides are working with mediators to finalize a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The one-page document is intended to establish a one-month framework for negotiations aimed at paving the way for an end to the ongoing conflict.

According to the report, the draft covers key issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, efforts to reduce tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the possible transfer of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles to a third country.

However, several major issues remain unresolved.

The report said the scope and extent of sanctions relief continue to be a central point of disagreement and could pose a significant obstacle to reaching an agreement.

The Wall Street Journal added that if substantial progress is made, both parties may agree to extend the initial one-month negotiation period.

The first round of talks between the United States and Iran was held in Islamabad on April 11, where delegations from both countries engaged in approximately 21 hours of discussions.

The meeting concluded without a formal agreement, but officials described the dialogue as an important step toward continued diplomatic engagement.

Pakistan playing key role in preventing breakdown of US-Iran talks: Report

Pakistan playing

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir is reportedly playing a key role in efforts to prevent a complete breakdown of US-Iran negotiations and facilitate diplomatic communication between the two sides.

According to a report by Financial Times, Pakistan Armed Forces is actively engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts amid escalating tensions between Iran and United States.

The report describes Pakistan’s role in mediation as important in easing regional tensions, with Field Marshal Asim Munir viewed as playing an unconventional but central part in maintaining communication channels between the parties.

It further states that mistrust, sanctions, and military tensions have complicated the peace process. However, Pakistan is continuing efforts to keep dialogue alive and encourage diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation in the region.

US-Iran talks second round reportedly expected in Pakistan, claims US media

US-Iran talks

CNN has reported, citing Iranian sources, that the second round of talks between the United States and Iran is expected to take place on Monday in Pakistan. However, the United States has not officially confirmed the reported schedule.

According to the report, the first round of discussions had already been held in Islamabad, where both sides engaged in preliminary diplomatic engagement.

The US delegation was reportedly led by Vice President JD Vance, along with Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The Iranian delegation was led by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Following the Islamabad talks, both sides reportedly reached preliminary understandings on certain issues and agreed to continue discussions in a follow-up meeting.

Few issues remain in US-Iran talks, Says Ishaq Dar at Antalya Forum

Few issues remain

ANTALYA: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that only a few points remain unresolved in ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he said Pakistan has been engaged in diplomatic efforts from day one to help resolve the Iran-US dispute.

Dar termed Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks between Iran and the United States after 47 years as a matter of pride, adding that the prolonged conflict has adversely affected regional economy and trade.

He noted that despite a population of around 2 billion, the region’s combined GDP stands at only 4 trillion dollars, highlighting the lack of a structured trade system among regional countries.

Emphasizing the need for greater regional connectivity, he said South Asian countries must work harder to enhance trade ties, adding that Pakistan is ideally positioned as a transshipment hub in the region.

He also welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping following the Lebanon ceasefire, describing it as a positive development.

Dar added that only a few issues remain to be resolved in the US-Iran talks, expressing hope for a breakthrough in the near future.

PM Shehbaz briefs President Zardari on US-Iran talks

PM Shehbaz

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr and took him into confidence on all aspects of the ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

During the meeting, the prime minister provided a detailed briefing on various stages of the talks and shared progress achieved through Pakistan’s mediation efforts. He also informed the president about his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

President Zardari noted that conflicts have far-reaching impacts on regional stability as well as global security, economy, and politics.

He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the US-Iran dialogue and commended the contributions of the prime minister, the Field Marshal, and other state institutions.

He said Pakistan has further strengthened its position as a responsible and key state and has reinforced its image as a peace-loving nation on the global stage.

The president emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the United States, Iran, and other regional and global powers, stating that sustained diplomatic contacts are essential to ensure continuity of the peace process and promote regional harmony.

Trump hints at Pakistan as venue for next US-Iran talks within two days

Trump hints

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the next round of negotiations with Iran could take place in Pakistan within the next two days.

Speaking to a U.S. newspaper, Trump said Washington is increasingly inclined to choose Pakistan as the venue for the upcoming talks, adding that developments could unfold shortly.

He remarked that the likelihood of Pakistan hosting the dialogue is higher, praising the role of the country’s military leadership. Referring to Asim Munir, Trump described him as “outstanding” and credited his performance as a key reason behind the U.S. considering Pakistan again for diplomatic engagement.

Trump also recalled his contact with the Field Marshal during last year’s heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, noting that the situation de-escalated within four days through a peace understanding in which the United States played a role.

In response to a question, Trump said U.S. media should remain present in Pakistan, as “anything could happen” in the next couple of days.

According to the report, Trump had initially denied that a U.S. delegation was heading to Pakistan for talks but later called back to suggest that Pakistan could host the next round of negotiations.