Pakistan to engage in multi-day US-Iran talks despite Iranian uncertainty

Pakistan Prepares for Second Round of US-Iran Talks Amid Uncertainty

Islamabad, Pakistan - The second round of talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their war is set to take place in Islamabad, with Pakistani officials gearing up to host the negotiations. However, tensions have escalated in recent hours, casting doubt on Tehran’s participation.

The ceasefire, which was due to expire on Wednesday, has been extended temporarily if a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed during the talks. The MoU would give negotiators a longer window, potentially up to 60 days, to secure a longer peace deal.

US President Donald Trump announced that his representatives will attend the negotiations in Islamabad, which are scheduled to begin on Tuesday evening. Trump also stated that he has offered a “very fair and reasonable DEAL” to Iran, but warned that if they do not accept it, the United States will take action against Iranian energy and power facilities.

In response to Trump’s announcement, Iranian gunboats fired on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, hitting ships including a French vessel and a British freighter. The US Navy has since intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the Touska, which was allegedly under US Treasury sanctions for prior illegal activity.

Iran has described the seizure of the ship as “piracy”. Pakistan has taken security measures to prepare for the talks, with thousands of additional police and paramilitary personnel arriving in the capital. The city’s roads have been sealed, and barbed wire and barricades have been installed along the streets.

The outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain, with Iran yet to confirm its participation. Pakistani officials hope that the talks will yield a deal to end the war, which has entered its eighth week.

Source: Al Jazeera