Pak Interior Minister meets Iranian Foreign Minister for 2nd time as deliberations on ceasefire proposal continue
Tehran, May 22
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday held another meeting with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran amid the ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran, the Tasnim News reported.
Naqvi met Abbas Araghchi to mediate between the US and Iran so both parties can move an inch closer towards ending the West Asia conflict.
Currently, Tehran is reviewing the proposal from the American side delivered via Pakistani mediators. Iran is yet to make a formal answer to the proposal. An Iranian official earlier told Al Jazeera that negotiators were "very close" to reaching an understanding.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided crucial insights into Washington's perspective on the current engagement. "So hopefully that will advance this further," he stated, referring to the upcoming deliberations in the Iranian capital.
Rubio underscored the US administration's primary focus on securing a robust agreement, "The President's preference is to do a good deal, that's his preference. It's always been his preference. If we can get a good deal done, that would be great," Rubio said.
While acknowledging certain positive indicators in the diplomatic track, Rubio maintained a measured and realistic outlook regarding the immediate trajectory. He added, "There are some good signs, but I don't want to be overly optimistic as well, so let's see what happens over the next few days."
Notably, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is likely to travel to Tehran on Thursday as negotiations for peace talks continue, as reported by ISNA.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Pakistan continues to mediate exchanges of messages between Tehran and Washington, adding that several rounds of communication have taken place based on Iran's original 14-point framework.
The latest round of diplomatic negotiations follows a stern message from US President Trump, who called on Iran to show intent on sealing a deal.
"It's right on the borderline, believe me. If we don't get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We're all ready to go. We have to get the right answers - it would have to be a complete 100 per cent good answers," Trump told reporters on Wednesday (local time) at Joint Base Andrews.
Amid highly volatile and fragile diplomatic engagements between Tehran and Washington, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered that the "stockpile of enriched uranium should not leave the country," rejecting the US President Donald Trump's key demand in ongoing peace talks, Reuters reported, quoting two Iranian sources.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting that Pakistan's Army Chief is also getting involved. Iran and Pakistan have deep ties, but Trump's "complete 100% good answers" demand sounds like an ultimatum. Diplomacy takes time, not brinkmanship.
Pakistan mediating between US and Iran? That's ironic considering their own history with terrorism. India should have been the neutral party here. But anyway, if it brings peace, I'll support it. Let's hope Khamenei's uranium stance doesn't derail everything.
A 14-point framework from Iran and US wanting a "good deal"—this is classic diplomatic chess. Rubio's caution is wise; over-optimism could backfire. But Pakistan's role raises eyebrows given their own nuclear concerns. Still, peace is peace.
Khamenei saying enriched uranium won't leave the country is a big red flag. Trump won't accept that. This mediation is walking a tightrope. Pakistan needs to be careful—they don't want to get stuck between a rock and a hard place. India is watching closely.
Respect to Pakistan for stepping up as a mediator, but let's be real—this is a high-stakes game. Trump's ultimatums and Iran's Supreme Leader's hardline stance don't mix well. Hope cooler heads prevail. The world can't afford another war in West Asia.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.