FM Dar hails “substantial progress” in US-Iran negotiations

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday welcomed what he called “substantial progress” made at the high-level talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, and said Pakistan would remain committed to efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability.

The first round of four-way talks involving Iran and the United States, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded in Switzerland, marking the first formal follow-up engagement since the deal was signed earlier this week.

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He congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defense Force Chief Marshal Asim Munir for their “visionary leadership and tireless efforts in achieving this important milestone”.

“I would also like to express my deep appreciation for the constructive spirit shown by the United States of America as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran in implementing the Islamabad MoU,” he said, adding that he commended their “continued commitment to dialogue and diplomacy”. The foreign minister reserved special thanks for Qatar for “its important role in the mediation process alongside Pakistan.”

Dar said Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement would continue in the coming days, noting that “a team from our Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to remain engaged with the parties for technical negotiations for the remainder of the week in Burgenstock, Switzerland.”

Read: ‘Encouraging progress’ as US, Iran agree roadmap to final peace deal within 60 days

Reaffirming Islamabad’s broader diplomatic objectives, he said: “Pakistan has played and will continue to play its role in achieving the goal of lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond. »

According to a joint statement from Pakistan and Qatar, the parties agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days. A communication channel would be established during the negotiations to prevent incidents and communication problems, including measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

He also announced the creation of a “deconfliction cell” facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar and involving Lebanon to supervise compliance with commitments linked to the cessation of military operations in the country.

In an earlier statement today, Prime Minister Shehbaz also welcomed “significant progress” in talks between the United States and Iran, saying a high-level meeting had resulted in agreement on a road map towards a final deal within the next 60 days.

On June 18, Prime Minister Shehbaz signed the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” as mediator, formalizing a major diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran. Israel, excluded from peace talks, distanced itself from the U.S.-Iran deal and continued to fight the Iran-allied Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, also raising questions about whether the deal would hold.

The United States and Israel launched war against Iran on February 28, assassinating former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and military leaders on the first day.

It quickly escalated into a regional conflict that killed more than 7,000 people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon; an increase in energy prices; has reignited inflationary pressures and raised concerns about a major food supply crisis in developing countries.