Indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington have commenced in Islambad, with Pakistan now a mediator for the two powers amidst a sharp divergence in their demands. Tehran is conditioning any progress on the immediate lifting of the naval blockade imposed on its ports, while Washington insists on a comprehensive agreement that goes beyond de-escalation on the ground. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Saturday held talks with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir in Islamabad, at the start of a diplomatic tour that also includes Muscat and Moscow, aimed at coordinating positions on ending the ongoing war in the region and strengthening de-escalation efforts.
This comes amidst conflicts between the declared diplomatic path and official political statements, as Tehran categorically denied talks to hold a meeting with the US in Pakistan – despite Washington’s announcement of sending high-level envoys to conduct talks. A Pakistani source involved in the talks told Reuters that Araqchi informed Pakistani officials of Tehran’s demands in the negotiations, as well as its reservations regarding America’s demands during his visit to Islamabad. ‘No meeting planned in Pakistan’ Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, accompanying Araqchi as part of the official delegation, confirmed that “no meeting between Iran and the US is planned in Pakistan.” The White House had announced that US envoys Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner were scheduled to travel to Islamabad for talks with Araqchi in an effort to launch a new round of negotiations.
Tehran insists on lifting the US blockade imposed on its ports since April 13, considering it a violation of the ceasefire, while Washington links lifting the blockade to reaching an agreement that meets its conditions. The US Central Command announced the interception of Iranian ships near the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the US destroyer USS Rafael Peralta carried out blockade enforcement operations, and that 33 ships have been diverted since the US measures were implemented. Egyptian efforts Egyptian diplomacy is leading intensive efforts to help pull the region back from the brink of implosion.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held series of intensive consultations with his counterparts in Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Canada, and Brazil. These efforts have focused on advancing the US-Iranian negotiation track and supporting the second round of talks in Islamabad aimed at consolidating the ceasefire. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm