The second round of direct negotiations between the US and Iran is expected to commence in Islamabad tomorrow. Both sides intend to talk about Iran’s nuclear program and steps that can be taken to ease tensions in the Middle East region.
Both parties will travel to Islamabad on Sunday. The first round of talks was conducted by Pakistan last week; however, no consensus could be reached at that time.
Pakistan plays key role in bringing the two sides together.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have worked hard to arrange these meetings. They also held separate discussions with officials from Iran, Qatar, and Turkey to push for peace.
The upcoming session will focus on limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment, possible sanctions relief, and wider security issues in the region. Iran insists its nuclear work is for peaceful purposes and wants any limits to be temporary.
Hopes rise for progress as ceasefire deadline nears.
The initial talks held last weekend did not yield much progress. Pressure is mounting now as the Pakistan-mediated ceasefire is about to expire. US President Donald Trump noted that some progress has already been achieved although he refused to provide details.
There has not been an official confirmation of the scheduled Monday talks yet. Sources who were familiar with the process were rather optimistic. A spokesman for the White House announced that President Trump would make a statement from the Oval Office on Monday.
Pakistan once again plays a role of the mediator as it provides a venue for the crucial negotiations. In the eyes of many, this event presents a great opportunity to prevent further conflict escalation in the Middle East.
