ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says the United States and Iran are close to reaching “some sort of an arrangement”, pointing to renewed signs of movement towards a potential peace deal between the two countries.
Asif made the comments in an interview with Bloomberg News in Islamabad on Tuesday, as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue. He also said a lasting peace agreement would be in the interest of the wider region.
“Things are shaping up again in favour of a peace arrangement or a deal,” Asif told Bloomberg News. “The signals in the last two three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement.”
The remarks, reported by Bloomberg and cited by Reuters, come as efforts to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran show signs of progress. Reuters reported on Tuesday that positive signals from Pakistan and Qatar indicated that US-Iran talks mediated through Oman were advancing.
Asif's comments suggest that recent diplomatic contacts may have helped narrow differences between the two sides after earlier efforts faced obstacles.
The Pakistani minister did not provide details of any emerging agreement, nor did he specify the issues that had been resolved. His assessment was instead based on what he described as signals received over the previous two or three days.
The comments are significant for Pakistan, which has been involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict and has sought to facilitate communication between the United States and Iran.
Earlier efforts involving Islamabad had focused on finding a path towards a ceasefire and a broader settlement. Pakistan has maintained contacts with both sides while pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Asif said a lasting peace would serve the interests of the wider region, where the conflict has created wider security and economic concerns.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a major point of concern during the crisis because of its importance to global energy shipments. Reuters reported that oil prices, which had risen sharply amid the tensions, eased somewhat as reports of progress towards a possible peace agreement emerged.
The latest developments have also drawn attention from Qatar, with its foreign ministry reporting progress in diplomatic efforts. Reuters said the talks were being mediated through Oman as Washington and Tehran continued efforts to resolve their differences.
The latest indications follow months of conflict and repeated diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a durable settlement. Pakistan has previously positioned itself as a potential bridge between Washington and Tehran, using its relations with both countries to support negotiations. Islamabad has also offered to host talks and has been involved in proposals aimed at reducing hostilities and restoring stability in the region.