WASHINGTON (Kashmir English): The White House has said that the second round of talks between the US and Iran will very likely be held in Pakistan, stressing that Islamabad is the only mediator in this negotiation.
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday told reporters that the US is optimistic about reaching a deal with Iran as talks on direct negotiations continue.
Leavitt added that the next round of negotiations with Iran would most likely be held in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and that, contrary to some reports, Washington did not request an extension of the ceasefire.
“Those discussions are being had,” and “we feel good about the prospects of a deal,” Press Secretary Leavitt said.
“The Pakistanis have been incredible mediators throughout this process, and we really appreciate their friendship and their efforts to bring this deal to a close,” she said during a news conference.
She adds, “While there have been many countries around the world who want to offer their help, the president feels it is important to streamline this communication through the Pakistanis, and that is what continues to take place.”
The White House spokesperson further added that the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz was being enforced against vessels of all nations entering and departing Iranian ports, while instead supporting freedom of navigation for all vessels going to non-Iranian ports.
‘Messages exchanged with US’
Earlier in the day, Iran said that exchanges of messages with the United States through Pakistan are ongoing after the failure of the Islamabad Talks over the weekend.
In a weekly press briefing, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said multiple messages were exchanged between the two sides since Tehran’s delegation returned from Islamabad.
Baqaei said that it was “highly probable” Iran would host a Pakistani delegation today as part of the continuation of talks facilitated by Islamabad.
Discussions during the Islamabad Talks included demands for a full end to the war, lifting of sanctions on Iran, and retribution for damages stemming from US-Israeli across the country, the spokesperson added.
