Washington sets five conditions in response to Tehran’s proposal for negotiations
ISLAMABAD:
As the impasse continued and US President Donald Trump pondered his next move, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held key meetings in Tehran on Sunday in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to save the deal and prevent renewed hostilities.
Naqvi, who is one of a handful of Pakistani officials involved in the intricate diplomatic effort, landed in Tehran on Saturday on a previously unannounced visit.
He accompanied the field marshal who traveled to the Iranian capital days after the first round of Iran-US talks held in Islamabad failed to achieve a breakthrough.
The influential minister spent three hours at the presidential palace, according to the Pakistani embassy in Tehran.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi were also present at the presidential palace during Naqvi’s crucial meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian.
“Mr. Mohsin Naqvi also held a private meeting with President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, which lasted about 90 minutes and was attended by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni,” a statement added.
According to the Iran News Agency, Interior Minister Naqvi also met the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian side during the talks with US Vice President JD Vance last month in Islamabad.
So far, no details of the meetings have been released by either the Iranian or Pakistani governments. However, it is believed that Naqvi’s visit was aimed at breaking the deadlock between Iran and the US.
Despite the exchange of several back-and-forth proposals between the two sides, the stalemate continues and threatens a new round of war.
“That is why Pakistan is pushing and persuading both sides not to give up diplomatic efforts,” a diplomatic source said.
What has emerged so far is that Iran and the US remain poles apart on how to end the war.
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, considered close to the country’s military and security establishment, has revealed that Washington has set five conditions in response to Tehran’s proposal for talks.
These conditions include no war reparations to Iran, the transfer of 400 kg of enriched uranium to the United States, retention of only one Iranian nuclear facility, no release of even 25% of Iran’s frozen assets, and negotiations tied to an end to the war on all fronts.
Iran, meanwhile, has its own set of conditions, including an end to conflict across all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions, the return of frozen assets, war reparations and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
It is believed that Tehran, via Islamabad, has now reacted to the American conditions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continued its diplomatic efforts and reached out to other stakeholders to prevent further disaster in the region.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a phone call from Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
The two leaders held a warm and cordial conversation during which they exchanged views on the regional and international situation, according to an official handout issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister thanked Qatar’s leadership for its strong support and approval of the peace efforts led by Pakistan to reduce regional tensions and promote peace and stability.
The Prime Minister appreciated Qatar’s constructive role in regional diplomacy and its efforts to build consensus in support of ongoing mediation initiatives. Both leaders agreed on the need for continued engagement and close consultation between all relevant parties to address common challenges.
The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and said he was looking forward to his official visit to Pakistan.
Both sides also agreed to maintain regular high-level contacts to follow up on the results of the discussion.
