US-Iran talks gain momentum as Pakistan steps in as key mediator

Pakistani authorities anticipate a “major breakthrough” in ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme, sources told Al Jazeera, as Islamabad intensifies diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.

The optimism on April 15 coincided with the arrival of a senior Pakistani delegation in Tehran, led by Army Chief Asim Munir, carrying a message from Washington to Iran’s leadership, according to Iran’s Press TV.

Munir was welcomed by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “gracious hosting of dialogue”. Press TV reported that the Pakistani military chief is also working to prepare the ground for a second round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

The diplomatic momentum appears reinforced by remarks from US President Donald Trump, who said late Tuesday that the world should brace for an “amazing two days” and that the war involving Iran is “very close to over”.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later indicated that further negotiations are likely to take place in Islamabad, describing Pakistan-facilitated talks as “productive and ongoing”.

“We feel good about the prospects of a deal,” she stated on April 15.

In Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that communication with the United States has continued following the conclusion of talks in Islamabad. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that “several messages have been exchanged through Pakistan” and that Iran’s “positions have been expressed in those exchanges”.

By Jeyhun Aghazada