A Pakistani delegation led by Army chief Asim Munir will hold talks with the Iranian leadership in Tehran on Thursday as part of Islamabad’s efforts to advance negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in the Middle East.
The delegation also includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed the delegation members upon their arrival in Tehran.
“The purpose of the visit is to deliver a US message to the Iranian leadership and to plan the next round of negotiations,” Iran’s state-run Press TV reported.
Araghchi said he was “very pleased” to welcome Munir to Iran and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to “promoting peace and stability in the region.”
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Pakistan has been acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, even as the first round of dialogue held in Islamabad earlier this week failed to achieve any breakthrough.
The US is keen to hold another round of in-person meetings with Iran before the current two-week ceasefire period expires on April 21. While reports indicate that US officials are reviewing potential dates, locations, and regional mediators for the next round of talks, the White House said the discussions are likely to take place in Pakistan.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday that the discussions would “very likely” be held at the same location as the previous round. “Pakistan is the only mediator in this negotiation, although many countries around the world have offered their help," she added.
Leavitt further said that President Donald Trump sees value in maintaining a streamlined communication channel through Pakistan.
Efforts to continue the negotiations come against the backdrop of a fragile two-week ceasefire and rising tensions in the region, including a looming US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
On Wednesday, Trump expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to a deal allowing Iran to rebuild the country, although he acknowledged that the outcome could go either way.
“They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals,” Trump told ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl.
