Potential US-Iran talks: 'Breakthrough' expected within 48 hours, say Pakistani sources

KARACHI, Pakistan

A "breakthrough" is expected within 48 hours on potential talks between the US and Iran to end the current war but Tehran is "still reluctant" to join proposed negotiations without "certain guarantees," sources in Pakistan's Foreign Ministry told Anadolu on Wednesday.

"Efforts are underway on the part of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt to woo all stakeholders, mainly Iran, which is still reluctant to hold talks without certain guarantees," a ministry official said.

Top Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, are in "constant" touch with Iranian leadership to persuade them to join talks, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not allowed to speak on record due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The official said that Tehran is "still sticking to its demands,” seeking guarantees that there would be no future military operation against Iran, its missile program will not be part of talks, and Tehran would be compensated for the losses "inflicted" by the US and Israel.

Sharif on Tuesday said Islamabad is "ready" to host "meaningful and conclusive" talks between the US and Iran for a "comprehensive settlement" to end the war in the Middle East.

Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir also spoke to US President Donald Trump on Sunday about the ongoing war, and the South Asian nation has suggested itself for hosting a possible summit between senior Trump administration and Iranian officials as part of its diplomatic efforts.

Talks could be broad in scope

On Monday, Sharif spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian seeking "collective" efforts for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy among neighboring countries to settle their differences.

Notably, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Wednesday that he expects the US and Iran to hold talks this weekend in Islamabad, adding that the negotiations are likely to be broader in scope.

Speaking to Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Grossi said the discussions are expected to cover missiles, Iranian-aligned militias, and security guarantees for Tehran.

“This time, there will also be missiles, militias allied with the Islamic republic, and security guarantees for Iran on the table,” he said.

Earlier, sources in Islamabad told Anadolu that a US delegation was due in Pakistan this week.

US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28 have so far killed over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

At least 13 US servicemen have been killed while dozens of others have been wounded during the ongoing conflict.