ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remains “cautiously optimistic” on the prospects of peace between the United States (US) and Iran, an official said on Wednesday, as talks between the two sides remain in limbo over Tehran’s uncertainty to join negotiations and Washington’s continuing blockade of Iranian ports.
Tensions between Iran and the US persist despite President Donald Trump announcing on Tuesday that he was extending a ceasefire between both sides on Pakistan’s insistence. Iran has so far not committed to joining the second round of peace talks, while the White House confirmed that a US delegation expected to reach Islamabad for negotiations would not travel on Wednesday.
Trump said the second round of peace talks in Islamabad with Iran could take place as soon as Friday, the New York Post reported on Wednesday.
A Pakistani official with knowledge of Pakistan’s mediation efforts told Arab News that Islamabad was hopeful of brokering peace between both sides.
“We remain cautiously optimistic for prospects of peace,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the press, said.
“In coordination with our partners, Pakistan’s sincere, capable and tireless efforts at this critical moment reflect a strong national spirit and confidence, laying the foundation for a more secure and prosperous future for humanity.”
The Pakistani official stressed that Islamabad’s recent diplomatic push may have helped prevent further escalation between the US and Iran.
“Had the ceasefire not been secured last night through Pakistan’s intervention, tireless diplomacy and persistent efforts, the situation today could have been far worse,” he said.
Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi and Mosharraf Zaidi, the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, did not respond to Arab News’ requests for comments.
Pakistan remains engaged with both sides to de-escalate tensions despite the prevailing uncertainty, a diplomat said.
“Even now, efforts continue around the clock to bridge mistrust and bring all sides back to the negotiating table,” the diplomat said on condition of anonymity as he was also not authorized to speak to the media.
‘FLUID SITUATION’
Pakistan’s former ambassador to the UN, Maleeha Lodhi, said there still remains hope for talks despite the delay, noting that both sides have not yet rejected talks.
“It’s too premature to speak of a possible failure of talks,” Lodhi said. “A rush to make a judgment about this and who is to blame makes little sense when the situation is so fluid.”
Pakistan has pressed ahead with its diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting Iran’s Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam in Islamabad. Both sides discussed the regional situation and ongoing peace efforts, an official statement said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government has imposed stringent security measures in Islamabad ahead of the possible peace talks. The city’s “Red Zone,” a high-security area housing Pakistan’s key government, legislative, and judicial institutions,” remains under a strict lockdown with heavy deployment of law enforcers.
The first round of direct talks between the US and Iran, held in Islamabad on Apr. 11, ended without a breakthrough, with disagreements persisting over sanctions, Iran’s nuclear program and broader security concerns.
