Pakistan Receives Positive Signal from Iran on Resuming Face-to-Face Talks

Gate News message, April 23 — Pakistan's mediators have received positive signals from Iran regarding a willingness to resume face-to-face negotiations, according to Pakistani officials briefed on ongoing diplomatic efforts. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Iran's ambassador on Wednesday, with a Pakistani official indicating that a second round of talks could take place within days.

Despite Iran's seizure of two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which has complicated mediation efforts, Pakistani officials remain optimistic about bringing the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table. Former Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S. and U.K. Maleha Lodhi stated: "The ceasefire has opened space for diplomatic channels to be restored, and Pakistan believes this space is sufficient. Neither side has rejected talks." Another Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that after the ceasefire extension, mediators have detected Iran's positive signals toward restarting direct negotiations, though specifics of these signals were not disclosed.

The official did not clarify whether Iran has communicated to Pakistani mediators whether U.S. clearance of the Strait of Hormuz blockade is a prerequisite for participating in the second round of talks.