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US-Iran talks

Oil prices fall as US-Iran talks show signs of progress

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Oil prices

ISLAMABAD: Oil prices fell Wednesday as signs of progress in talks between the United States and Iran and improving crude supplies eased concerns over disruptions.

Brent crude fell about 4% to around $99 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude was trading at about $89 a barrel. Murban crude stood at around $108 a barrel.

Meanwhile, Iran announced that restoration work had begun at the Pars gas field, which was damaged in U.S. strikes in March.

Iranian Deputy Oil Minister said about half of the field’s capacity had been restored, according to reports.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.