Capitals, March 25 (SANA) Mediators from Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan are working to arrange direct talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad within 48 hours, as part of efforts to ease tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Arab and U.S. officials said the mediators are pushing both sides toward dialogue despite significant differences.
U.S. proposals and concerns
The mediation comes as Washington has presented proposals to Tehran that go beyond a ceasefire. The New York Times reported that the United States has outlined a plan calling for the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, the transfer of enriched material to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the destruction of key facilities including Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow.
The proposal also includes ending Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional allies such as Hezbollah, in exchange for sanctions relief.
Separately, Israeli Channel 12 reported that the United States is seeking a one-month truce to open negotiations toward a broader agreement, while Israeli officials have expressed concern that an initial framework could delay key technical arrangements.
Iranian conditions
Iran, through Pakistani mediation, has received the proposal but has not confirmed whether it will use it as a basis for talks. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran has put forward demands including the closure of U.S. bases in the Gulf, full sanctions relief, retention of its missile program, compensation for war damage, new arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, guarantees against renewed conflict, and an end to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.
A U.S. official described these demands as “unrealistic,” warning they could complicate negotiations.
Axios reported that Iran has expressed skepticism about U.S. intentions, citing increased American military deployments and past experience with former President Donald Trump as factors undermining trust.
Challenges ahead
The mediation faces significant challenges due to the wide gap between the two sides. Previous indirect talks in Switzerland and Oman failed to produce results, and current efforts are taking place amid ongoing conflict and heightened regional tensions.
Analysts say that, unlike the 2015 nuclear deal reached under different conditions, the current geopolitical environment is far more volatile, making a rapid breakthrough unlikely.
F.J.
