Pakistan strives to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table

Pakistan is working to bring Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table, said two senior Pakistani sources to AFP on Tuesday, with one noting efforts to extend the ceasefire are underway.

“Efforts are underway to bring both parties back to the negotiating table. Of course, we want them to come to Islamabad, but the location has not been determined yet,” the source, who requested anonymity, said.

On Saturday, talks between Washington and Tehran, meant to end the war after a two-week ceasefire, failed.

A second official, also requesting anonymity, said discussions could still take place before the end of the ceasefire period next week.

“No date or location has been decided yet,” he assured.

“The meeting could take place soon,” the first source said, adding that dates still needed to be confirmed.

“We are also working to extend the ceasefire beyond the current deadline to have more time.”

“The written outlines of demands and concessions have already been exchanged, so both parties are aware of possible compromises,” added the official.

Two days after the failed Saturday talks, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington’s red lines were clear and “the ball is in the Iranians’ court.”

Iran criticized Washington’s maximalist demands but did not reject global leaders’ efforts to bring both parties back to the negotiating table.

A fragile two-week truce, agreed on Wednesday to allow for time to find a lasting ceasefire, has been upheld, even after the US imposed a maritime blockade on Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

AFP