Media: Iran reportedly cuts direct communication with US; sources: efforts to facilitate dialogue through Pakistan continue

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, Middle East officials said Iran severed direct communication with the United States on Monday morning in response to President Trump’s threat to destroy Iran’s “entire civilization.” However, negotiations with ceasefire mediators are still ongoing. Officials stated that this move has complicated efforts to reach an agreement before the U.S. Eastern Time deadline of 8 p.m. on Tuesday, as set by Trump, but has not led to a breakdown in talks. One official said Iran’s cutoff of direct communication was intended as a signal of dissatisfaction and provocation. It remains unclear whether direct talks will resume before the deadline. The White House has not yet commented.

Additionally, two Pakistani sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters on Tuesday that efforts to facilitate dialogue between the U.S. and Iran are continuing, as U.S. airstrikes against Iran intensify and Trump’s ultimatum for an “apocalyptic” strike on Iran draws nearer.

However, one of the sources—a senior security official—said that Iran’s overnight attacks on industrial facilities linked to Saudi Arabia and U.S. companies could jeopardize the negotiation process.

The sources told Reuters that if Saudi Arabia takes retaliatory action, the talks would be over—and this could potentially draw Pakistan into conflict, as Pakistan has signed a defense treaty with Saudi Arabia that requires mutual support in times of war.

Another source familiar with the negotiations said Iran is “walking a tightrope,” and the next three to four hours are crucial for the prospects of dialogue. Pakistan has served as a primary intermediary through which both sides have presented proposals, but there are currently no signs of any compromise.

This Pakistani security source said, “We are maintaining contact with Iranian officials. They have recently shown some flexibility, indicating they might join the talks, but at the same time, they are insisting on hardline conditions as a prerequisite for any negotiation.” The Pakistani official added that Islamabad is urging Tehran to join the talks without preconditions.

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Original: toutiao.com/article/1861829085719564/

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