Washington poses five conditions in response to Tehran’s negotiation proposal
ISLAMABAD:
As the impasse persists and U.S. President Donald Trump considers his next move, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held important meetings in Tehran on Sunday in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to save the deal and prevent a resumption of hostilities.
Naqvi, one of a handful of Pakistani officials involved in the complex diplomatic efforts, landed in Tehran on Saturday for an unannounced visit.
He accompanied the marshal, who visited the Iranian capital just days after the failure of the first round of talks between Iran and the United States, held in Islamabad.
The influential minister spent three hours at the presidential palace, according to the Pakistani embassy in Tehran.
Iranian 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 had a private meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian which lasted approximately 90 minutes and was attended by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni,” a statement added.
According to the Iranian News Agency, Interior Minister Naqvi also met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian side in the high-stakes talks with US Vice President JD Vance last month in Islamabad.
So far, no details regarding these meetings have been disclosed by either the Iranian or Pakistani governments. However, it is believed that Naqvi’s visit was aimed at breaking the impasse between Iran and the United States.
Despite the exchange of several proposals between the two sides, the impasse persists, threatening a new round of war.
“That is why Pakistan is pushing and persuading both sides not to abandon their diplomatic efforts,” a diplomatic source said.
What has emerged so far is that Iran and the United States 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, revealed that Washington had set five conditions in response to Tehran’s proposed negotiations.
These conditions include no war reparations for Iran, the transfer of 400 kg of enriched uranium to the United States, the retention of a single Iranian nuclear facility, not releasing even 25% of Iran’s frozen assets, and negotiations related to ending the war on all fronts.
Iran, meanwhile, has its own conditions, including an end to conflicts on all fronts, especially in Lebanon, lifting of sanctions, return of frozen assets, war compensation and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran, via Islamabad, is believed to have now responded to US conditions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continued its diplomatic efforts, reaching out to other stakeholders to avoid further disasters 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 had a warm and cordial conversation during which they exchanged views on the regional and international situation, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister thanked Qatari leaders for their strong support and endorsement of Pakistan-led peace efforts 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 for ongoing mediation initiatives. Both leaders agreed on the need for continued engagement and close consultations among all parties concerned 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.
The two sides also agreed to maintain regular high-level contacts to follow up on the results of the discussions.
