ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the next phase of negotiations between the United States and Iran could prove more difficult, but expressed confidence that a final agreement remains within reach.
Speaking to an Arab news outlet, Dar said Iran would lower the level of its uranium enrichment rather than transfer its enriched uranium stockpiles abroad, noting that Washington had initially sought the removal of those reserves from the country.
He said three technical working groups would be established to address the nuclear file, frozen assets and issues relating to Lebanon as part of the broader negotiations.
Dar also revealed that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be allowed to transit for 60 days without any additional tariffs under the understanding reached, paying only standard navigation or service charges.
According to the deputy prime minister, US President Donald Trump personally oversaw the negotiations between Washington and Tehran, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates supported the mediation efforts. Describing the arrangement as positive, Dar said the agreement contained “no negative points” and voiced optimism that the ongoing diplomatic process would ultimately lead to a comprehensive settlement despite the challenges that may arise in the next stage.
Rejecting speculation about any secret understanding, the deputy prime minister said there was no hidden deal behind the agreement and that all provisions were contained in the written Islamabad Accord.
Representing Pakistan, Dar said he, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir and the national security adviser participated as mediators and witnesses. He added that Islamabad kept regional countries informed throughout the diplomatic process.
According to Dar, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the European Union, Canada, Australia, Japan and China also backed Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate the talks. He said the final signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding took place on June 18.
