Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Mousavi held a phone conversation with his German counterpart Heiko Maas, stating that Iran is participating in negotiations with the US in an environment of distrust. Mousavi emphasized that the reason for this distrust is the US’s breach of promises and diplomatic deception.
Iran will protect its people’s interests and rights with full authority, said Mousavi. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his hopes for lasting peace in the region and the world, praising the US’s determination. The Pakistani Prime Minister also met with the Iranian delegation separately.
A high-level US delegation, led by the US Vice President’s special envoy, has arrived in Islamabad for the talks. The Iranian media claims that the speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has led an Iranian delegation of around 70 people, including central negotiators and 26 members of technical and special committees.
The committees will focus on economic, security, and political matters to facilitate timely consultations during the highly sensitive negotiations. Pakistan’s airspace has provided security for the US Vice President’s plane as it arrived in Islamabad for the talks.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry has reacted to the US-Iran talks in Islamabad, urging the parties to show maximum tolerance and promote independence, regional sovereignty, and diplomacy. The Pakistani Air Force’s F-16 fighter jets provided security for the US Vice President’s plane as it arrived in Islamabad for the talks.
The White House has denied reports that the US has agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets in foreign banks. The frozen funds were supposed to be released in 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange agreement between the US and Iran in 2018.
China has expressed hopes that the parties will take more measures to reduce tensions. The Indonesian government has welcomed the US-Iran talks in Islamabad, calling for peace and stability in the region.
Former US diplomat Jeffrey Gunter has praised the talks, saying that it’s a positive step towards reducing tensions in the region. The Pakistani Air Force has arrived at the King Abdulaziz Airbase in Saudi Arabia as part of a strategic defense agreement.
In a related development, the Iranian government has announced that it will present 10 key demands during the talks, including recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, compensation for war damages, and the lifting of all sanctions. Iran also demands recognition of its right to enrich uranium.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi has expressed his hopes for lasting peace in the region, saying that the country will continue to support all efforts towards peace and stability.
