Pakistan, Iran FMs Discuss Middle East Amid US Diplomatic Maneuvers

This communication comes as US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) said that his representatives are having "very positive" discussions. The President signalled continued diplomatic engagement even as both sides exchange competing proposals on regional tensions.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump noted that his representatives were actively engaged with Tehran and suggested the talks could lead to "something very positive for all". He stated, "I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all."

These comments were echoed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who told CNN that Washington remains engaged with Tehran. "We're in conversation," Witkoff said, referring to ongoing diplomatic contacts aimed at exploring potential negotiations to end the conflict. Witkoff was speaking from Trump's Doral golf club during the PGA Cadillac Championship, where he was seen alongside the President.

Trump's latest tone marked a notable shift from comments he made a day earlier, when he sharply criticised Iran's proposal. He previously said he "can't imagine" the latest offer from Tehran "would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity."

Reports from The Times of Israel suggest that President Trump had initially rejected Iran's latest proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing regional conflict, describing it as "not acceptable". According to the Israeli news platform, Trump made a similar statement during a brief phone call with Kan News correspondent Nathan Guttman.

In a post on X, Guttman quoted Trump saying, "It's not acceptable to me. I've studied it, I've studied everything - it's not acceptable." In additional comments reported by Kan News, Trump remarked that the regional military campaign was progressing successfully, stating, "The campaign is going great."

The President added, "The Iranians want to make a deal, but I'm not satisfied with what they've offered." He noted there are "things I can't agree to," without elaborating on specific objections to Tehran's framework.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Sunday confirmed that Tehran has received Washington's response to Iran's proposal through Pakistan. Speaking in an interview with the Iranian state broadcaster SNN TV, Baghaei said, "The United States' view on Tehran's proposal via Pakistan has reached Iran."

He added that this perspective is currently under review, and Iran's response will be provided after finalisation. Baghaei stressed that Iran's "14-point proposal" is solely aimed at ending the conflict in the region and does not address nuclear issues.

"Our 14-point plan exclusively focuses on ending the war and contains no issues related to the nuclear domain," Baghaei said during the televised interview. At this stage, he noted that the focus remains on the specifics of ending the war in the region, including Lebanon.

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Baghaei also rejected reports suggesting the proposal involved mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. "The claim of mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz by the United States is fundamentally not part of our plan. These claims are fabricated and concocted by certain media outlets," he said.

The Iranian spokesperson reiterated Tehran's position against negotiations conducted under pressure or imposed timelines, stating that "Iran rejects negotiations under ultimatum and deadline," according to Tasnim.

Baghaei further explained that the proposed framework envisions "an initial halt followed by examination of details over a 30-day period." Regarding the issue of guarantees, he stated that the concept is not based on reliance on the counterparty's commitment, but rather dependence on "internal power and levers."

His remarks followed reports by Tasnim News Agency on Saturday that a 14-point response to a proposal from the United States had been submitted by Tehran.

- ANI