ISLAMABAD – Efforts to facilitate talks between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing, two Pakistani sourceswith knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Tuesday, as U.S. strikes on Iran intensified and President Donald Trump’s deadline to unleash “hell” neared.
However, one of the sources, a senior security official, said Iran’s overnight strikes on Saudi Arabia’s industrial facilities linked to U.S. firms threatened to derail the talks.
If Saudi Arabia were to retaliate, the talks would be over, the source said, adding that could draw Pakistan into the conflict under its defence pact with Riyadh which binds both nations to fight for each other in case of a war.
The second source with knowledge of the talks said Iran was “walking on thin ice” and that the next three to four hours were critical for the future of dialogue.
Pakistan has been the main go-between for proposals shared by both sides, but there has been no sign of a compromise.
“We are in touch with the Iranians. They have lately shown flexibility that they could join the talks, but they are at the same time taking hard lines as a prerequisite for any negotiations,” the Pakistani security source said.
He added that Islamabad was persuading Tehran to enter negotiations without prior conditions.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that messages are still being exchanged between Iran and the U.S. via mediators.
A senior Iranian source said Tehran had rejected a proposal for a temporary ceasefire with talks dependent on an end to U.S.-Israeli strikes and compensation for damages.
Pakistan’s foreign office said on Tuesday that the strikes on Saudi Arabia constitute a dangerous escalation.
“Such unwarranted aggressions have serious repercussions, to spoil the ongoing peaceful options and conducive environment,” added a Pakistani army statement after top commanders met with army chief Asim Munir.
