Insiders reveal: U.S.-Iran talks may restart in Islamabad, with possible meetings this weekend or early next week

According to Reuters on Tuesday, April 14, five sources familiar with the negotiations said that following the failure of the first round of talks over the weekend, U.S.-Iran negotiations could soon resume in Islamabad.

An Iranian source told Reuters: "The exact date has not yet been confirmed; the time window is left open between Friday and Sunday." A representative from Iran's embassy in Pakistan stated that the meeting might take place this weekend or early next week.

Two Pakistani official sources said that as mediator, Pakistan is maintaining communication with both sides to coordinate the timing of the next round of talks and leans toward arranging a meeting before the end of this weekend. A senior Pakistani government official said: "We have contacted Iran and received a positive response indicating their willingness to participate in the second round of talks."

However, neither Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry nor the Prime Minister’s Office responded immediately to requests for comment, and the White House also issued no statement.

The talks over the weekend made little progress toward an agreement, casting further uncertainty over the two-week ceasefire deal. Nevertheless, sources indicate that contact among all parties remains ongoing. On Monday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated: "All efforts are still underway to resolve differences."

Aside from the Strait of Hormuz issue, the core dispute remains Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. President Trump stated he would not allow any agreement that enables Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, declaring, "Iran will not have nuclear weapons." He also warned that any Iranian vessel attempting to break through the U.S. military blockade of Iranian ports since Monday would be "eliminated."

According to LSEG shipping data cited by Reuters, three oil tankers sanctioned by the United States are currently passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Defense Ministry spokesperson warned that any foreign military action in the Strait of Hormuz would escalate the crisis and disrupt energy market stability.

In addition, Israeli and Lebanese representatives will hold informal talks in Washington on Tuesday.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862445271367872/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author