Islamabad expected to host new round of US-Iran negotiations

ISLAMABAD: Talks between the US and Iran are expected to resume in Islamabad next week, with the two countries working with mediators to draft a 14-point memorandum of understanding.

According to the US newspaper ‘The Wall Street Journal’, the US and Iran are considering a one-page document that will set the ground rules and framework for the month-long talks.

According to the report, the proposed agreement includes several important points, including Iran’s nuclear program, reducing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and dealing with enriched uranium.

The newspaper says that diplomatic contacts between the US, Iran, and regional mediators have intensified in recent days. Pakistan, Qatar, and some Gulf countries are also playing a role in behind-the-scenes contacts to bring the two countries back to the negotiating table.

According to The Wall Street Journal, if progress is made in the talks, the initial one-month period can be extended by mutual consent of the parties.

However, some important issues are still to be resolved, with the possible easing of sanctions on Iran being considered the most sensitive issue.

The report states that on the one hand, the United States wants to maintain pressure on Iran, while on the other hand, efforts are underway for a diplomatic solution. Iranian officials are also reviewing the proposed points, and discussions are ongoing on various reservations.

It should be noted that the first phase of negotiations between the United States and Iran took place on April 11 in Islamabad, where talks between delegations from both countries continued for about 21 hours; however, the negotiations ended without any final agreement.