Dar optimistic on US-Iran peace deal despite challenges ahead

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has expressed optimism that the ongoing diplomatic process between the United States and Iran will culminate in a comprehensive peace agreement, despite acknowledging that the next phase of negotiations could prove more complex and demanding.

In an interview with an Arab media outlet, Dar said the first round of negotiations had laid a solid foundation for future engagement and produced encouraging results under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He noted that while significant challenges remained, the parties had demonstrated sufficient political will to continue pursuing a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

Discussing one of the most sensitive aspects of the negotiations, Dar said Iran had agreed in principle to lower the level of uranium enrichment but would retain its enriched uranium stockpiles inside the country.

According to him, Washington had initially proposed that Tehran transfer its enriched uranium reserves abroad, but the issue was ultimately addressed through compromise and continued dialogue.

He revealed that three specialised technical working groups would be established to address key areas of the negotiations, including the nuclear programme, frozen Iranian assets and issues related to Lebanon.

The technical teams are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks as negotiators work toward a final settlement within the agreed timeline.

The deputy prime minister also disclosed details of an understanding reached regarding maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Under the arrangement, commercial vessels transiting the waterway will be allowed to pass for 60 days without any additional tariffs, paying only standard navigation and service charges.

The measure is intended to reassure international markets and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global energy supplies while broader negotiations continue.

Diplomatic observers view the agreement as an important confidence-building step aimed at reducing tensions and restoring stability to one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes.

Rejecting speculation about hidden arrangements or political gains, Dar emphasised that Pakistan had no vested interest in the negotiations and acted solely in pursuit of regional peace and stability.

“There is no secret agreement behind the process. Everything agreed upon is contained in the written Islamabad Accord,” he said.

The foreign minister stated that Pakistan's involvement was motivated by a desire to promote peace within the Muslim world and contribute to global stability.

According to Dar, Islamabad played a key role in bringing the parties together and helped facilitate a ceasefire before advancing broader political negotiations.

Dar revealed that US and Iranian delegations participated in six rounds of discussions spanning approximately 21 hours in Islamabad, describing them as the first direct negotiations between the two countries in nearly 47 years.

He said the talks involved senior representatives from both sides, including US Vice President JD Vance, Iran's parliamentary speaker and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistan was represented by Dar, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the National Security Adviser, who served as mediators and witnesses throughout the process.

The deputy prime minister added that Pakistan maintained close consultations with regional and international partners during the negotiations to ensure transparency and build wider diplomatic support.

Dar said Pakistan's mediation efforts received support from a broad range of countries and international partners, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, China, Japan, Canada, Australia and the European Union.

He noted that the formal signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 18 represented a major diplomatic breakthrough and opened a pathway toward a comprehensive settlement.

The foreign minister also highlighted the emergence of the R4 Forum, comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye, describing it as a cooperative platform focused on dialogue, regional connectivity and shared development rather than a political alliance.

Dar's remarks came as mediators reported encouraging progress following the first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.

A joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar confirmed that both sides had agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.

The negotiations also established technical mechanisms to continue discussions on unresolved issues, including regional security arrangements and economic matters.

Among the key outcomes was the creation of communication channels to help prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and a framework aimed at supporting efforts to maintain stability in Lebanon.

Reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to the peace process, Dar said Pakistan would continue to play an honest, balanced and constructive role in advancing dialogue between the parties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also welcomed the progress achieved so far, praising both Washington and Tehran for their commitment to diplomacy and thanking Qatar and Switzerland for facilitating the negotiations.

With technical discussions now underway and a 60-day roadmap in place, diplomatic attention will focus on whether the momentum generated by the Islamabad MoU can be transformed into a comprehensive and lasting agreement capable of reshaping the regional security landscape.