ISLAMABAD — Pakistan said on Saturday that “encouraging progress” had been achieved toward reaching a final understanding between the United States and Iran to end the ongoing regional conflict.
In a statement issued after Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded a day-long visit to Tehran, the Pakistani military said intensive negotiations over the past 24 hours had advanced mediation efforts.
“The intensive negotiations over the last 24 hours have resulted in encouraging progress towards a final understanding,” the statement said.
Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday evening for his second visit to Iran in recent weeks as part of Islamabad’s mediation initiative aimed at promoting “de-escalation and constructive engagement” amid heightened regional tensions.
During the visit, he held meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s chief negotiator Bagher Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials.
The Pakistani military said discussions focused on accelerating consultations to support regional peace and stability and reach a conclusive agreement.
“The engagements were held in a positive and constructive environment and contributed meaningfully towards the mediation process,” the statement added.
According to Islamabad, Iranian leaders expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “sincere and constructive role” in facilitating dialogue and supporting a peaceful settlement.
The latest developments came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that there had been “some progress” toward a negotiated resolution to the Middle East conflict.
Regional tensions escalated after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting attacks by Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf region, alongside the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The fighting halted on April 8 after Pakistan brokered a ceasefire, though subsequent negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a permanent agreement.
US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while indirect negotiations and exchanges of proposals between Washington and Tehran continued.
Source: Saudi Gazette