Iran envoy says talks have moved beyond 'critical stage' as Pakistan’s mediation advances

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan said Tuesday that indirect negotiations with the US have moved forward from a “critical, sensitive stage,” urging that the next phase focus on substance and respect.

"As of now, a step forward from critical, sensitive stage...In the next stage, respect and comity should be replaced by rethorics and redundancy. Stay more tuned," Reza Amiri Moghadam said in a post on the US social media company X’s platform.

His remarks came as reports pointed to a possible breakthrough in talks between the US and Iran.

CNN, citing a regional source, said “some good news is expected from both sides soon” and that a deal could be reached as early as Tuesday night, with discussions steered by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

US President Donald Trump said earlier that strikes against Iran would proceed if his 8 pm local time (0000GMT Wednesday) deadline passed without a deal.

Trump told Fox News that "8 pm is happening," and the timeline was firmly on track.

He said if the deadline was reached, there would be "an attack like they have not seen.”

Trump said Monday that postponing the deadline was "highly unlikely," adding "They've had plenty of time."

The president left a narrow opening, saying concrete progress in negotiations could change the calculus, but at that point, plans were moving forward.