ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said negotiations between the United States and Iran over uranium stockpiles could have resumed several days earlier, but regional tensions delayed the diplomatic process.
In an interview with Arab media, Ishaq Dar said Israeli attacks on Lebanon severely affected the negotiation process, causing efforts to bring American and Iranian delegations to the negotiating table to nearly stall.
He said technical-level talks resumed following renewed diplomatic efforts and are currently focused on implementing the latest memorandum of understanding. According to Dar, this marks the second phase of diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran.
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The deputy prime minister said Iran would reduce the level of uranium enrichment instead of sending uranium abroad. He added that working groups are actively engaged on key issues including the nuclear program, sanctions, and frozen assets, while matters related to Lebanon are also part of the negotiation agenda.
Ishaq Dar further stated that Pakistan is playing the role of a facilitator throughout the process. He said a 30-day period has been set to finalize certain matters, while a broader agreement is expected within a 60-day timeframe.
He added that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be allowed tariff-free transit for 60 days, with vessels only required to pay standard navigation or service fees.
Dar also said that Donald Trump has personally guided the US-Iran negotiations, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are supporting the mediation process. He said the next phase of negotiations could be difficult, but a final agreement remains achievable, adding that there is no negative point in the proposed deal.