Sources Say Breakthrough Expected on US-Iran Talks Within 48 Hours
"Efforts are underway on the part of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt to woo all stakeholders, mainly Iran, which is still reluctant to hold talks without certain guarantees," a ministry official said.
The official, granted anonymity given the sensitivity of ongoing diplomacy, said senior Pakistani leadership — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar — remain in constant contact with Iranian counterparts in a bid to bring Tehran on board.
Tehran's conditions are pointed: the official said Iran is "still sticking to its demands," insisting on guarantees against any future military action on its soil, the exclusion of its missile program from any agenda, and compensation for damages "inflicted" by US and Israeli strikes.
Islamabad Positions Itself as Diplomatic Hub
Sharif declared Tuesday that Pakistan is "ready" to host "meaningful and conclusive" negotiations between Washington and Tehran toward a "comprehensive settlement" ending the Middle East war. Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir reinforced that push over the weekend, holding talks with US President Donald Trump on the conflict — with Islamabad formally proposing itself as the venue for a high-level summit between senior Trump administration officials and Iranian representatives.
Earlier in the week, Sharif reached out to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging "collective" efforts toward de-escalation and a return to diplomatic channels among regional neighbors.
IAEA Chief Expects Broader Talks This Weekend
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Wednesday that US-Iran negotiations are expected to take place this weekend in Islamabad — and that they are likely to extend well beyond nuclear issues.
Speaking to Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Grossi said the scope of discussions has widened considerably. "This time, there will also be missiles, militias allied with the Islamic republic, and security guarantees for Iran on the table," he said.
Sources in Islamabad had previously confirmed to media that a US delegation was expected in Pakistan this week.
Mounting Toll Since February 28
The urgency of diplomacy is underscored by a rapidly escalating human cost. US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran since February 28 have killed more than 1,340 people, among them then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has launched drone and missile salvos targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets — triggering casualties, infrastructure damage, and severe disruptions to global aviation and financial markets.
At least 13 US service members have been killed and dozens more wounded since hostilities began.
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