US President Trump Expresses Confidence in Iran Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict

Foreign Ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt Meet in Islamabad

In a meeting held over the weekend, foreign ministers from four countries - Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt - gathered in Islamabad to discuss a diplomatic track aimed at containing the fallout of the US-Israel war on Iran. The meeting was the second in less than two weeks and marked an effort by Pakistan to facilitate direct talks between the US and Iran.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the foreign ministers held a detailed discussion on the conflict, reaffirming their commitment to containing the situation and reducing the risk of military escalations. The meeting resulted in the establishment of a Committee of Four, consisting of senior officials from each foreign ministry, to work out the modalities of the process.

The quadrilateral format was first established during an Arab and Islamic consultative meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 19. Pakistan is acting as the primary channel between Washington and Tehran.

In a separate interview, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in the possibility of a deal with Iran, stating that negotiations are going “extremely well”. However, he also mentioned his desire to take control of Iran’s oil exports, including Kharg Island, which handles approximately 90% of Iran’s crude.

The meeting highlights the challenges facing Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative, as tensions between the US and Iranian positions continue. The war appears to be escalating, with continued Israeli strikes and an expanding US military presence in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera