Islamabad, Apr 14 (EFE).– Pakistan seeks to hold a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran by this weekend or early next week, after sending a formal proposal to both delegations.
“Things are moving positively, and there is a possibility of delegations from both countries holding a second round of talks in Islamabad at the end of the week or early the following week,” a diplomatic official told EFE on the condition of anonymity.
“Most issues were agreed upon in the first meeting, so the second round may lead to a breakthrough, if both agree to resolve their issues,” he added.
This new diplomatic attempt seeks to overcome the deadlock over Iran’s nuclear program, which was the main stumbling block of last weekend’s talks in the Pakistani capital.
Security officials told EFE that Washington has demanded that Tehran completely renounce its right to uranium enrichment, a red line put down by the team led by US Vice President J.D. Vance.
For its part, the Iranian delegation defended its right to enrich uranium at least for civilian use and conditioned any transfer of nuclear material on total control of the Strait of Hormuz, a demand that the United States rejected.
Pakistani sources described Vance’s announcement of the talks having failed as «hasty,» as Islamabad believes that the logistical basis of the agreement has already been established.
The Pakistani government, which is acting as a mediator, has intensified its dialogue with both parties to prevent the lack of consensus from derailing the current ceasefire.
“Pakistan has sent its proposal, and it hopes to receive a positive response. This is how diplomacy works,” said the diplomatic official, underlining the need to reach a breakthrough in the next round of negotiations.
This diplomatic initiative coincides with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey to coordinate support from regional allies before the cessation of hostilities expires on Apr. 22.
The possible next round of talks would be marked by Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports and an energy market due to which the price of oil remains around $100 per barrel. EFE
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