WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Iran has “an interest in reaching an agreement” with Washington to end the conflict as Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts continue to prevent renewed escalation in the Middle East.
In a telephone interview with French broadcaster BFMTV on Saturday, Trump said he is uncertain whether negotiations with Tehran would produce a final agreement soon.
“I have no idea. If they don’t, they’re going to have a very bad time. They have an interest in reaching an agreement,” Trump said.
The US President’s remarks came amid ongoing Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire and permanently end the regional conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran had received messages from the Trump administration indicating willingness for new talks.
However, he cautioned that “distrust” over Washington’s intentions remained.
Pakistan continues mediation efforts
Pakistan has continued mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran, maintaining diplomatic engagement with countries to support de-escalation and long-term stability.
On April 8, Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Three days later, Islamabad hosted direct talks between the US and Iranian delegations on April 11 and 12.
Although the negotiations concluded without a final settlement, however, the Islamabad talks paved the way for continued diplomatic engagement.
US Vice President JD Vance said earlier this week that progress was being made in Pakistan-mediated negotiations.
“I think that we are making progress. The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the president’s red line?” Vance told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
Vance led the US negotiating delegation during the Islamabad talks, while Iran’s team was headed by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has repeatedly reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to “proactive diplomacy and sustained regional engagement”.
On Saturday, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran for meetings with senior Iranian officials.
A diplomatic source said Naqvi was expected to encourage Iranian leaders to move towards an early finalisation of a peace accord with Washington.
Regional powers back diplomacy
International support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts has also grown.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the Iran conflict during a telephone conversation on Saturday, according to the Kremlin.
“Both sides emphasised the importance of continuing the political and diplomatic process aimed at reaching compromise-based peace agreements,” the Kremlin said.
The UAE’s state news agency WAM reported that the two leaders also reviewed the broader implications of the Middle East conflict on regional stability, international navigation, energy security and the global economy.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani urged “all parties to respond positively” to ongoing Pakistan-led mediation efforts.
The remarks came during his meeting with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the Alliance for Europe-Gulf Geopolitics and Investments Summit in Athens, according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.
The Qatari minister stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement to address the root causes of regional crises and prevent renewed escalation.
Trump praises Pakistan’s role
Trump earlier this week praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating the ceasefire and subsequent diplomacy.
Speaking on Tuesday, the US president commended Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their diplomatic efforts.
“They’re great. I think the Pakistanis have been great. The Field Marshal and the Prime Minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great,” Trump said.
