ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a phone call, exchanged views on the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Friday. FO said both sides discussed regional developments, the ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic efforts being pursued by Islamabad in the context of US-Iran engagement.
Dar stressed the importance of “sustained dialogue and engagement to address outstanding issues, in order to advance regional peace and stability at the earliest”.
The Iranian foreign minister appreciated “Pakistan’s consistent and constructive facilitation role in this regard”. The FO added that the two leaders agreed to remain in “close contact”. Over the past few days, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiation table.
However, the expected second round of negotiations to be held in Islamabad has been delayed due to continued friction between the US and Iran, particularly regarding Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iran’s ports.
On Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an “important meeting” with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad, where they discussed diplomatic efforts regarding the possible second round of US-Iran negotiations.
On Wednesday, former US President Donald Trump expressed hope that a second round of talks could take place within two to three days, despite ongoing mistrust.“It’s possible!” Trump reportedly told the “New York Post” when asked whether talks were expected in Islamabad within the next 36 to 72 hours. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei did not give a clear confirmation on resuming talks with the US.
The first round of direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8. It ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown.
