Pakistan mediates as Iran US talks show cautious progress

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Middle East 16-04-2026 | 17:10

Pakistan mediates as Iran US talks show cautious progress

Optimism grows over a possible ceasefire extension despite persistent nuclear disagreements between Tehran and Washington.
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Pakistan mediates as Iran US talks show cautious progress
Pakistan’s army chief arrives in Tehran (Tasnim).
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Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, met today, Thursday, with Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, according to Iranian state media, as Islamabad continues its mediation efforts in talks between Tehran and Washington.

 

State television did not specify the location of the meeting, but Iranian agencies published photos of the two men along with footage from the meeting, which was attended by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

 

 

Araghchi receives Pakistan’s army chief in Tehran (Tasnim).
Araghchi receives Pakistan’s army chief in Tehran (Tasnim).

 

 

Earlier today, Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson said that Pakistan will continue to play its role in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington.

 

 

Possibility of the war in the Middle East nearing an end

 

Earlier, Reuters reported that an atmosphere of optimism prevailed today over the possibility that the war in the Middle East may be nearing an end, amid intensified diplomatic efforts, including the presence of a senior Pakistani mediator in Tehran and the Trump administration expressing hope of reaching an agreement that could reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.

 

 

Major differences over the nuclear issue

 

A senior Iranian official said that Iran and the United States have made some progress in efforts to reach an agreement to end the war through Pakistani mediation. However, more than halfway through the two-week ceasefire, major differences remain, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

 

 

 

 

The official said that the visit of Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, to Tehran was effective in narrowing differences on some issues, but major disagreements remain in the nuclear field. He added that hopes have increased for extending the ceasefire and holding a second round of talks.

 

The Pakistani delegation arrived in Iran on Wednesday, shortly before Washington raised the possibility of holding a second round of negotiations with Tehran.

 

The Pakistani army said the delegation includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with a number of senior officials from the interior ministry.

Tags
Iran ، Tehran ، Qalibaf ، Pakistan ، America