Pakistani Army Chief Visits Iran for US-Iran Talks Negotiations

A high-level Pakistani delegation has arrived in Iran for talks aimed at arranging a fresh round of negotiations between Iran and the United States. The delegation, led by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, is scheduled to meet with Iranian officials on Wednesday evening.

According to Iranian state media, Munir’s visit comes ahead of a fragile truce between Iran and the US, which is set to expire on April 22. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is also participating in mediation efforts in Tehran, while Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently in Saudi Arabia for a four-day Gulf tour.

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the prospects of a deal, stating that the world should be prepared for an “amazing two days” as the war with Iran nears its end. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has also confirmed that additional talks with Iran are likely to take place in Islamabad.

However, the US military maintains its naval blockade on all Iranian ports, which has turned nine ships away since Wednesday. Iran’s military has criticized the blockade as a violation of the ceasefire and threatened to halt trade in the region if it is not lifted.

Mediators in the conflict are pushing for a compromise on three main sticking points: Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages. Iranian Foreign Minister spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has stated that his country is open to discussing its uranium enrichment levels, but emphasized the need for continued enrichment based on its needs.

Sources close to the mediation effort have expressed optimism about a potential breakthrough on the nuclear front, citing agreements in the making. However, detractors from all sides, including elements in Tehran, Washington, and Israel, are reportedly cautioning against progress due to opposition to a peace deal.

Source: Al Jazeera