No dates set for second round of US-Iran talks: FO

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has announced that a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran is expected but a definitive date for the meeting has yet to be finalised.

“No dates ​have been ‌decided for the ​second ​round of talks between ⁠the ​US and ​Iran,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated addressing a weekly news briefing in Islamabad.

The FO spokesperson said that the continuity of the ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon is vital for ensuring sustainable peace in the region. He noted that establishing peace in Lebanon remains fundamental to the success of these talks, adding that Lebanon is currently part of the two-week ceasefire agreement.

Providing details on the mediation process, the spokesperson stated that Pakistan remains in constant contact with the relevant parties and is taking every possible step to bring these diplomatic efforts to a logical conclusion. In this context, he highlighted that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Iran last night, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on a significant three-nation tour.

Andrabi underscored that Pakistan’s constructive and conciliatory role is being widely acclaimed by global diplomatic circles, reflecting the country’s sincere commitment to peace.

Referring to last week’s negotiations in Islamabad, the spokesperson revealed that the discussions between the US and Iranian representatives spanned approximately 21 hours. These detailed exchanges took place in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Munir.

Nuclear ⁠issues are among the subjects ​being ​discussed ⁠by the ​countries, he ​added.

Andrabi recalled the recent statement by the deputy prime minister, noting that his optimism regarding the continuation of dialogue is being realised as both parties prepare to return to the negotiating table.

The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s stance that current conflicts can only be resolved through dialogue and cooperation, with the ultimate goal of steering the region away from war towards stability. While the schedule for the second round is pending, diplomatic preparations are reportedly at their peak.

Despite some progress in the Pakistan-led mediation, significant differences persist on major issues, including the nuclear programme, even as more than half of the two-week ceasefire period has elapsed. On Thursday, a senior Iranian official clarified that while the visit of the Pakistan Army Chief to Tehran helped narrow gaps in certain areas, fundamental disagreements regarding the nuclear sector remain.

According to Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, the Iranian official indicated that Field Marshal Munir’s visit has renewed hopes for an extension of the ceasefire and a second round of talks. However, the future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and the duration of sanctions on its nuclear programme remain the primary contentious issues without a resolution. Establishing a consensus on these complex matters continues to be a formidable challenge.

Last weekend’s meetings failed to secure an agreement to end the hostilities that broke out on February 28 following sudden strikes by the US and Israel. In retaliation, Iran attacked Israel and Gulf states which led to a parallel conflict in Lebanon.