US-Iran mediation efforts via Pakistan ‘continuing’
Two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters that US attacks on Iran are intensifying and US President Donald Trump’s deadline to unleash “hell” is approaching.
But one of the sources, a senior security official, said Iran’s overnight attacks on Saudi Arabian industrial facilities linked to US firms threatened to derail the talks.
The source said the talks would end if Saudi Arabia retaliated, adding that this could draw Pakistan into the conflict under its defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which binds both countries to fight for each other in case of war.
The second source with knowledge of the talks said Iran was “walking on thin ice” and the next 3-4 hours were critical for the future of the dialogue.
Pakistan has been the main mediator on proposals shared by both sides, but there have been no signs of compromise.
“We are in contact with the Iranians. They have recently shown flexibility that they can participate in negotiations, but at the same time they are taking tough stances as a precondition for any negotiations,” the Pakistani security source said.
He added that Pakistan had persuaded Iran to enter into talks without preconditions.
Iran and the United States continue to exchange messages through mediators, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday.
A senior Iranian source said Iran had rejected an offer of a temporary ceasefire in which talks were conditioned on an end to US-Israeli attacks and compensation for damages.
Attacks on Saudi Arabia constitute a dangerous escalation, Pakistan’s foreign office said on Tuesday.
“Such unwarranted attacks have serious consequences that will disrupt the ongoing peaceful options and conducive environment,” the Pakistani army said in a statement after senior commanders met with chief of general staff Asim Munir. statement was added.
Pakistan wants to avoid being drawn into a war that could damage its shared western border with Iran and spark discontent among the world’s second-largest Shiite population after Iran.
Analysts say the defense agreement may not trigger immediate military action, but could come into play if hostilities escalate.
“Iran’s willingness to risk embarrassing Pakistan at a time when brokering a ceasefire is crucial reveals Tehran’s commitment to a tit-for-tat strategy of punishing the Gulf for U.S. and Israeli attacks,” said Adam Weinstein, an expert on Pakistan, Afghanistan and U.S. politics at the Quincy Institute.
