Khawaja Asif cites encouraging signals from recent days and says lasting settlement could strengthen stability across Middle East
ISLAMABAD: The United States and Iran are moving closer to reaching an agreement aimed at easing tensions, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Tuesday, pointing to increasingly positive diplomatic signals.
Speaking to Bloomberg News in Islamabad, Asif said developments during the past two or three days indicated that Washington and Tehran were approaching some form of arrangement.
“Things are shaping up again in favor of a peace arrangement or a deal,” Asif said, expressing optimism about the direction of negotiations.
His comments suggest renewed diplomatic momentum following a period of heightened uncertainty surrounding relations between the United States and Iran.
Recent Signals Raise Hopes for Breakthrough
Asif said recent developments had strengthened expectations that the two sides could find common ground and move towards an agreement.
However, he did not provide specific details regarding the negotiations, possible terms of an arrangement or a timetable for concluding the diplomatic process.
Meanwhile, attention remains focused on whether Washington and Tehran can overcome outstanding disagreements and establish a framework capable of preventing another escalation.
Pakistan has consistently advocated negotiations and diplomatic engagement as the preferred method for addressing disputes between the two countries.
Long-Term Settlement Could Stabilise Region
Furthermore, Asif said he believed a durable peace agreement between the United States and Iran would benefit the broader Middle East.
A lasting settlement could reduce regional uncertainty and create greater space for diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing other security challenges.
Pakistan has a direct interest in regional stability because of its geographical proximity to Iran and close political and economic relationships across the Gulf and wider Middle East.
Nevertheless, neither Washington nor Tehran immediately announced a final agreement following Asif’s remarks.
Consequently, the coming days could prove crucial in determining whether the latest diplomatic momentum produces a formal understanding or encounters further obstacles.
The situation remains developing, with additional details expected as negotiations progress.
