Dar says tougher phase of US-Iran talks lies ahead but final deal within reach

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the next stage of negotiations between the United States and Iran is likely to be more difficult, but he maintained that a final agreement is still achievable.

In remarks to an Arab news outlet, Dar said Tehran would reduce the level of its uranium enrichment instead of sending its enriched uranium stockpile out of the country. He said Washington had initially wanted those reserves removed from Iran.

Dar said three technical working groups would be set up as part of the wider negotiations to deal with the nuclear issue, frozen assets and matters linked to Lebanon. He also said an understanding had been reached under which ships using the Strait of Hormuz would be able to pass for 60 days without any additional tariffs, paying only routine navigation or service charges.

According to Dar, US President Donald Trump personally supervised the negotiations between Washington and Tehran, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates backed the mediation effort. He described the arrangement positively and said it had “no negative points” while expressing hope that the diplomatic track would eventually produce a comprehensive settlement despite possible difficulties in the next phase.

Roadmap agreed in first round

Mediators said on Monday that the United States and Iran made encouraging progress in the opening round of talks aimed at securing a final peace deal, though tensions remained over Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz.

A joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar said both sides had agreed on a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days. The statement, released by the Qatari foreign ministry, said technical discussions would continue for the rest of the week at the Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock.

The statement said the parties also agreed on a mechanism to stop fighting in Lebanon between Israel, a US ally, and Iran-backed Hezbollah. It added that a communications channel had been opened to help ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil route.

Pakistan pledges continued role

US Vice President JD Vance said the first round of talks in Switzerland had created a solid basis for a final agreement aimed at ending the Middle East war.

Dar said Pakistan would continue to play what he described as an honest and sincere role in encouraging dialogue and diplomacy to help secure a peaceful and lasting outcome.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, praised the leadership of both the United States and Iran for maintaining their commitment to constructive engagement. He also thanked what he called friendly and brotherly countries for supporting the diplomatic effort, which he described as historic.

The prime minister expressed special appreciation for Qatar’s role in helping create the conditions for the negotiations to proceed. He also thanked the Swiss government for hosting and facilitating the talks.