Pakistani Official: Positive Signals Received from Iran on Resuming Face-to-Face Negotiations

Reported by Golden Finance, on April 23, Wednesday, Pakistani officials remain optimistic about the possibility of bringing the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table, despite Iran's seizure of two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which has created new obstacles for their efforts to mediate long-term peace. On Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif met with the Iranian ambassador. A Pakistani official who was briefed on the meeting stated that the second round of negotiations could take place in the coming days. Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. and the U.K. who is familiar with the current diplomatic efforts, said: "The ceasefire has opened up space for the resumption of diplomatic channels, and Pakistan believes this space is sufficient. Neither side has rejected negotiations." Another Pakistani official, who was briefed on the negotiations and requested anonymity, stated that after the ceasefire extension, Pakistani mediators have received positive signals from Iran expressing willingness to resume face-to-face negotiations. The official did not elaborate on what these signals were or whether Iran had informed Pakistani mediators that lifting the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was a prerequisite for participating in the second round of negotiations. (The New York Times)