US and Iran hold renewed talks with Pakistani mediation underway

Pakistani Officials Anticipate Breakthrough in US-Iran Nuclear Talks

A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Army Chief Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran to deliver a message from the United States to Iranian leadership. The delegation’s visit comes as Islamabad steps up diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.

According to sources, Pakistani officials are expecting a “major breakthrough” in talks between Iran and the US on Tehran’s nuclear programme. The optimism is attributed to the shuttle diplomacy by Pakistan, which has been facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received Munir upon his arrival, expressing gratitude for Pakistan’s “gracious hosting of dialogue.” Munir is also seeking to lay the groundwork for a second round of talks between the US and Iran.

The central sticking point in negotiations remains the duration of any enrichment freeze by Iran and the country’s stockpile of 440 kilogrammes of highly enriched uranium. Sources indicate that there has been significant progress, with Pakistan expected to convince Tehran on this issue.

Mediators are pressing for a compromise on three main issues: Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages. The conflict, launched by the US and Israel in February, has resulted in over 3,000 deaths in Iran and triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Gulf countries.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also traveled to Saudi Arabia as part of a regional tour, which includes stops in Qatar and Turkey. The diplomatic push appears bolstered by optimistic comments from US President Donald Trump, who stated that the world should brace for an “amazing two days” and the war on Iran is “very close to over.”

Source: Al Jazeera