US Senator Rubio reports slight progress in Pakistan-Iran talks

Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir Arrives in Tehran as Part of Mediation Efforts

Field Marshal Asim Munir, the army chief of Pakistan, has arrived in Tehran as part of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and the United States. According to reports from Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Munir was received warmly by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni upon his arrival on Friday.

This is Munir’s second visit to Tehran as part of Pakistani mediation efforts, following a temporary ceasefire agreement reached on April 8 between the warring parties. Pakistan has also hosted high-level talks between the US and Iran since April 11-12.

During his visit, unnamed sources have confirmed that Munir will discuss key issues including Iran-US talks, regional peace and stability, and other important matters with Iranian officials. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated on Friday that the gaps between Tehran and Washington are “deep and significant”, but emphasized that details related to the nuclear issue are not being discussed at this stage.

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the talks, stating that Iran is “dying to make a deal”. However, he also warned that the US will continue to take action against Iran if it does not reach an agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported that “slight progress” was made during talks with Iran.

Meanwhile, European Union nations have moved towards imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and others responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global oil and gas supplies. The EU has deemed the blockade “contrary to international law”.

Source: Al Jazeera