Pakistani source reveals potential for US-Iran talks

Illustration of the US and Iranian flags. (Source: IRNA)

JAKARTA - A "breakthrough" is expected in 48 hours regarding the potential talks between the United States and Iran to end the current war, but Tehran "still reluctant" to join the proposed negotiations without "certain guarantees," a source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan told Anadolu on Wednesday.

"Efforts are being made by Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt to persuade all stakeholders, especially Iran, who are still reluctant to hold talks without certain guarantees," a ministry official said, launching Anadolu (25/3).

Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, continue to "communicate" with Iranian leaders to persuade them to join the talks, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly due to the sensitivity of the issue.

The official further said that Tehran "still adheres to its demands," asking for guarantees that there will be no future military operations against Iran, that its missile program will not be part of the talks, and that Tehran will be compensated for the losses "caused" by the US and Israel.

Earlier, PM Sharif on Tuesday said Islamabad was "ready" to host "meaningful and conclusive" talks between the US and Iran for a "comprehensive settlement" to end the war in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir spoke to US President Donald Trump on Sunday about the ongoing war, and the South Asian country has offered to host a possible summit between senior officials of the Trump administration and Iran as part of its diplomatic efforts.

Previously, sources in Islamabad told Anadolu, the US delegation is scheduled to be in Pakistan this week.

It is known that the US and Israel launched air raids against Iran in a campaign called Operation Epic Fury (US version) or Operation Roaring Lion (Israeli version) since February 28, which has so far killed more than 1,340 people, including the then Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage as well as disrupting global markets and flights.