Pakistan mediation raises hopes for US-Iran nuclear breakthrough

Hopes are rising for a potential breakthrough in US-Iran talks over Tehran's nuclear programme, with Pakistani officials expecting what they describe as a "major breakthrough," sources told Al Jazeera as Islamabad intensifies diplomatic efforts to end a war that has killed thousands of people.

The optimism came as a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to deliver messages between Washington and the Iranian leadership, according to Iran's Press TV.

Munir was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who thanked Pakistan for its "gracious hosting of dialogue."

Press TV also reported that the Pakistani delegation is working to prepare the ground for a second round of US-Iran talks.

Al Jazeera correspondent Osama Bin Javaid said Pakistani officials are anticipating "a major breakthrough on the nuclear front," with Islamabad continuing to act as a channel for communication between the two sides.

The main point of disagreement remains the length of Iran's uranium enrichment freeze and the status of its stockpile of around 440kg of highly enriched uranium.

Bin Javaid noted that discussions have ranged from a five-year freeze to as long as 20 years, with negotiators exploring possible middle-ground solutions.

"There's also talk about what Iran will do with the 440kg of nuclear-enriched material," he said, adding that options include sending it abroad or diluting it to lower enrichment levels.

He added that "major headway" has reportedly been made and that Pakistan is expected to play a key role in persuading Tehran.

Shuttle diplomacy

Pakistan's mediation efforts follow inconclusive US–Iran talks held in Islamabad over the weekend. Mediators are reportedly pushing for compromises on Iran's nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz—which has been effectively restricted, contributing to rising global oil prices—and compensation for wartime losses.

The conflict, which began on 28 February, has killed more than 3,000 people in Iran and triggered retaliatory strikes on Gulf states.

It has also intensified tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, where over 2,000 people have been killed since early March.

A ceasefire agreed on 8 April has paused hostilities in Iran and the Gulf, though Israeli strikes in Lebanon have continued.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia as part of a broader regional tour that also includes Qatar and Turkey.

Analysts describe the move as part of a "double-pronged strategy" aimed at securing regional backing for a potential agreement.

Bin Javaid said Pakistan is engaging multiple sides, with military and civilian leaderships simultaneously speaking to different regional powers in an effort to smooth resistance to any deal, including from Iran, the United States and Israel.

'Very close to over'

US President Donald Trump struck an optimistic tone, saying the world should expect an "amazing two days" and suggesting the conflict with Iran was "very close to over."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later said further negotiations are likely to take place in Islamabad, describing Pakistan-mediated discussions as "productive and ongoing."

Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed that communication with the US has continued since the Islamabad talks ended, saying several messages have been exchanged through Pakistan.

Despite diplomatic momentum, tensions remain high.

A US naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz continues, with reports that vessels have been turned back by US Central Command forces.

Iran has condemned the blockade as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Iranian officials have warned of possible retaliation, including disruptions to regional shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Sea of Oman, if the blockade is not lifted.