Iranian Delegation Visits Islamabad for US Talks Amid Tensions
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Islamabad, April 11 (NationPress) A prominent Iranian delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, has landed in Islamabad on Saturday for crucial discussions with the United States, as indicated by a statement from Pakistan's foreign ministry.
This delegation features Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Upon their arrival, the delegation was welcomed by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
Ishaq Dar expressed optimism that constructive dialogue would ensue and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to facilitating a long-lasting resolution to the conflict, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The United States and Iran are slated to initiate negotiations on Saturday morning during a diplomatic window of a two-week conditional ceasefire that was announced on Tuesday, following over a month of joint military operations by the US and Israel against Iran.
The ceasefire has faced challenges as Israel continues its strikes against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon. Both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Baqer Qalibaf have indicated that halting the assaults on Lebanon is vital to the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Qalibaf has called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's frozen assets before negotiations with the United States commence.
He made these statements on social media platform X, outlining Iran's prerequisites for participating in the talks aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East, which are anticipated to occur in Islamabad following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire.
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Araghchi urged the United States to adhere to its obligations under the ceasefire, emphasizing the need to halt Israel's actions against Lebanon, as reported by the official news agency IRNA.