Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that his country’s efforts to advance talks between the United States and Iran are continuing, with the aim of easing tensions. He noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visited Pakistan and held extensive discussions. Sharif stated that Araqchi will issue a response soon after consulting with the Iranian leadership, pointing out delays in Iran’s replies and the absence of a unified decision‑making structure.
Sharif added, during a cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, that a ‘marathon session’ was held in the capital during the first round of direct talks between the two sides on April 11, which led to progress toward a ceasefire that remains in effect.
He also noted that Araqchi visited Pakistan over the weekend, where another lengthy round of talks took place between Iran and Pakistan. Araqchi then traveled to Oman, returned briefly, and later departed for Russia.
Sharif said the Iranian minister spoke with him by phone before leaving for Moscow, where he ‘confirmed that after consultations with his leadership, he will respond as soon as possible.’
Sharif did not specify the nature of Araqchi’s response, but Pakistan had previously stated that it seeks to host a second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
This comes after a senior Pakistani official said earlier today that the country continues working to narrow the gaps between the American and Iranian sides.
Another Pakistani government official revealed that ‘the Iranians are painfully slow in their responses,’ adding that ‘there does not appear to be a single leadership structure for decision‑making' and that replies sometimes take two or three days, according to Reuters.”