Tehran, Iran. Optimism grew on Thursday that the Iran war may be nearing an end after a Pakistani mediator made progress on unresolved issues, a source said. Iran warned, however, that the fate of its nuclear program had not been resolved.
Talks and economic stakes
The United States and Pakistan have highlighted prospects for a deal in the more than six-week war, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying an accord would open the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply flows.
Closure of the strait has triggered what was described as the worst oil price shock in history and prompted the International Monetary Fund to downgrade its outlook for the global economy, warning prolonged conflict could push the world to the brink of recession.
Pakistani mediation and potential extension of ceasefire
Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday as a key figure in the mediation effort after marathon talks in Islamabad last weekend ended without a deal.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday that the trip had raised hopes for a second round of talks and an extension of the two-week ceasefire, but said fundamental differences remain over Iran’s nuclear program.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that both sides are willing to resume talks, though no date has been set.
Lebanon ceasefire discussions
Pakistan said a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been waging a parallel campaign against Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, would be an essential component of any peace talks.
A senior Israeli official said Israel’s cabinet met on Wednesday to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, while Trump announced the leaders of the two countries would speak for the first time in decades.
Two senior Lebanese officials said they had been briefed that efforts were underway for a ceasefire but had no further details on its duration or when it would be announced.
Trump on planned call
“It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow. Nice!” Trump wrote in a social media post published before midnight on Wednesday, Washington time.
What do you think are the key issues that could determine whether the ceasefire is extended?
