ISLAMABAD: Progress has been reported in ongoing discussions aimed at resolving nearly three months of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and mediator Pakistan.
Iran announced it is working on finalizing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) after its senior officials met with General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s army chief. The Pakistani military indicated that these talks have made “encouraging” strides toward a final agreement. Sources from Pakistan involved in the discussions described the deal as “fairly comprehensive” and focused on ending the war.
The proposed plan outlines three major steps: formally ending the war, addressing the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and initiating a 30-day period for broader negotiations, which could be extended.
US President Donald Trump mentioned that he would review the latest draft agreement with his advisers and might decide on Sunday whether to take military action against Iran. “We either make a good deal or I’ll make them suffer greatly,” Trump has been quoted as saying.
Despite hopes for an agreement, one Pakistani source noted that there is no certainty the US will sign off on the MOU. If both the US and Iran agree on it, further discussions would follow after the Eid holiday ends next Friday.
In a related development, Trump announced he would be staying in Washington this weekend, missing his son’s wedding, due in part to the ongoing situation with Iran. An Arab official indicated that Trump plans to have a phone conversation with leaders from several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.
Pakistan’s role as a mediator aims to bridge the gap between Iran and the US, especially as the conflict has caused significant disruptions in the vital shipping routes of the Hormuz Strait, impacting global energy markets.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Trump’s stance, stating that Iran must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. He mentioned the need for the Strait to remain open for unhindered shipping and insisted that Iran must relinquish its enriched uranium.
Rubio, who is currently in India, acknowledged that some progress has been made and negotiations are ongoing. “There’s a possibility we may have news soon,” he informed reporters.
Iran maintains that it is not developing nuclear weapons and that it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. However, it also demands an end to the US blockade on its ports and the lifting of sanctions affecting its oil sales.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, reported a noticeable decrease in disputes this week but noted that several issues still need to be addressed through mediation. He emphasized the importance of resolving the threat of new US attacks, especially concerning the conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, where tension with Israeli forces continues.
General Munir left Tehran after discussions with Iran’s chief negotiator and foreign minister. Qalibaf, Iran’s negotiator, emphasized that while Iran will seek to defend its rights both on the battlefield and through diplomacy, trust in negotiations remains fragile due to past experiences. He warned that if the US were to resume hostilities, the consequences could be severe.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Iran has managed to maintain its stockpile of enriched uranium and its military capabilities, including missiles and drone technology.
