Pakistani commander ‘helps narrow differences’ between US and Iran

“The Pakistani military commander’s visit to Tehran has narrowed the differences between the US and Iran on a number of issues, but there are still fundamental disagreements in the nuclear field. There is more hope for extending the ceasefire agreement and holding a second round of negotiations,” a senior Pakistani official told Reuters. Reuters Today.

The official added that the two “most controversial and still unresolved” issues in the peace talks are the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium, as well as the question of how long the country’s nuclear program can be limited.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry hopes that the next round of negotiations between the US and Iran can “achieve a major breakthrough”, but confirmed that a specific time or location cannot be set. Islamabad noted that stability in Lebanon will significantly impact the current negotiation process.

Pakistan Army Commander Asim Munir arrived in Iran on April 15, three days after the US and Iranian delegations failed to reach any agreement during the round of negotiations in Islamabad. After his visit to Tehran, Mr. Munir plans to continue to the US capital Washington.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi confirmed that Commander Munir’s visit is part of efforts to maintain contact with both sides to promote dialogue. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also touring a series of Middle Eastern countries to mobilize support for initiatives to promote peace.

In announcing General Munir’s visit on April 15, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the Pakistani delegation “will discuss in detail” the demands of both the US and Iran in peace negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highly appreciated Islamabad’s role in promoting dialogue and promoting regional peace and stability.

Al Jazeera Citing well-informed sources, some of the main contents being discussed through intermediaries include the time limit for Iran to stop enriching uranium, with proposals ranging from 5-20 years.

In addition, the disposal of about 440 kg of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is also a key issue. Options being considered include transferring this uranium to a third country or reducing the level of enrichment so that it cannot be used for military purposes.