Pakistan says US-Iran deal may be reached ‘soon’
The remarks come amid US media reports suggesting that Washington and Tehran are moving closer to a one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at easing tensions.
Pakistan today (7 May) expressed optimism that a deal between the United States and Iran could be reached soon amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end tensions between the two countries.
"We expect an agreement sooner rather than later," Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said during a media briefing. "We hope the parties will reach a peaceful and sustainable solution that will contribute not only to peace in our region but to international peace as well."
However, Andrabi declined to provide any specific timeline or disclose details about the ongoing negotiations, reports Anadolu Agency and Dawn.
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"What I can tell you is that we remain positive, we remain optimistic, and we hope the settlement will be soon rather than later," he said.
When asked whether Pakistan was expecting any response from Iran later today, Andrabi said he would not comment on "specifics or the movement of messages."
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad has remained in "continuous contact with Iran and the United States, day and night, to stop the war and extend the ceasefire."
"If an agreement is reached in Pakistan, it would be an honour for us," Sharif told reporters in Islamabad.
The remarks come amid US media reports suggesting that Washington and Tehran are moving closer to a one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at easing tensions.
Although Andrabi refused to confirm details of any potential pact, Pakistani government sources told Anadolu Agency that Islamabad expects to host a second round of talks between the US and Iran next week.
According to the sources, Pakistan hopes the two sides will reach a "primary" agreement before US President Donald Trump visits China later this month.
Pakistan previously hosted the first round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran on 11-12 April, though the talks failed to produce a final agreement.
Those negotiations followed a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on 8 April, which was later extended by Trump.
