Pakistan Prime Minister visits Saudi Arabia and Turkey for potential Iran-US dialogue

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Plans Visit to Saudi Arabia and Turkey Amid Ongoing Peace Talks with US and Iran

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey this week, as he seeks to continue his efforts to facilitate a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran. The announcement comes during a two-week ceasefire that has halted US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

According to a statement released by President Asif Ali Zardari, Sharif briefed him on his plans to discuss the issue with fellow mediators and secure further negotiations. Zardari urged the prime minister and other officials to remain engaged with the US, Iran, and other key powers in an effort to sustain the peace process.

US President Donald Trump expressed support for Sharif’s push, stating that talks could resume in Pakistan within the next two days. Trump initially mentioned Europe as a potential location but later confirmed Islamabad as the preferred site. He also praised Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, saying he was “doing a great job.”

A diplomat from one of the mediating countries reported that Tehran and Washington had agreed to more talks, although the location, timing, and composition of the delegations have yet to be decided. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, stated that it is “highly probable” that ceasefire talks will restart.

The fragile two-week ceasefire has been maintained despite tensions between Iran and the US over the Strait of Hormuz. The US military has mounted a naval blockade of Iran’s ports and coastal areas in response to Iran’s actions.

Source: Al Jazeera