Key facts
- US-Iran deal talks are experiencing delays due to regional conflicts and security concerns.
- Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have welcomed the ongoing negotiations, hoping for regional peace and stability.
- Iran's foreign ministry indicated that while a deal is possible in the coming days, signing is not imminent.
- A potential deal may involve a 60-day ceasefire extension in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon are impacting the negotiation timeline.
- The Israeli military reported killing seven Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.
Talks aimed at finalizing a deal between Iran and the United States are facing delays, influenced by ongoing regional conflicts and security concerns, particularly potential Israeli aggression. Pakistan, which has been mediating the negotiations, initially anticipated the deal's finalization within 24 hours, with electronic signing and technical discussions to follow. However, Iranian officials have indicated that while the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding in the coming days is high, there are no immediate plans for negotiators to travel to Geneva or Islamabad.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar welcomed the US-Iran negotiations in a call with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Both expressed hope that the development would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region. The Saudi Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan's consistent mediation efforts. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also stated that a peace agreement is "ready for signatures" and could be finalized "very shortly."
Details of the potential US-Iran deal remain unclear. Reports suggest it may involve a 60-day extension of the ceasefire in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the US potentially dropping its blockade of Iranian ports. However, significant issues such as Iran's nuclear program, US sanctions, and the unfreezing of Iranian assets are expected to be deferred to a second phase of negotiations.
The ongoing conflict in the region is a significant factor. Israeli warplanes have conducted multiple strikes on towns and villages in southern Lebanon, and the Israeli military reported killing seven Hezbollah fighters. In Gaza City, an Israeli attack injured one person. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, at least 3,756 people have been killed in Lebanon since March 2.