Pakistani-mediated negotiations between Iran and the United States in Islamabad are ongoing, extending beyond four hours as both sides delve deeper into technical discussions to advance the dialogue.
Tanim’s correspondent dispatched to Islamabad reported that the negotiations between the Iranian and American delegations began before 17:30 Islamabad time (16:00 Iran time) on Saturday.
After an hour into the talks, due to entering detailed and technical discussions, expert teams joined the negotiations and since then, the negotiations have continued thus far at 21:00 Islamabad time.
The two delegations paused for a few minutes midway through the talks for consultation and a break, then resumed negotiations.
No news has yet been received regarding the conclusion of tonight’s negotiations, and it remains unclear whether the talks will be extended.
Following the assassination of late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and several military commanders on February 28, the US and Israel launched an extensive military offensive against Iran. In response, the Iranian Armed Forces carried out attacks on American and Israeli positions in the region and the occupied territories, showcasing their capability to retaliate effectively. Contrary to the aggressors’ expectations of a quick victory, Iran’s powerful counterattacks for 40 days inflicted significant damage on US and Israeli military assets.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Pakistani mediation led to a two-week ceasefire agreement on April 8 that allows for negotiations in Islamabad. Iran has laid out a ten-point plan for the talks, which includes demands for the withdrawal of US forces, the lifting of sanctions, and control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian government maintains a stance of distrust towards the US, asserting that the negotiations are not meant to resolve the conflict but rather to shift the battleground into the diplomatic arena.
