Dar, Prince Faisal welcome progress in US-Iran peace talks

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Thursday welcomed the positive momentum in the ongoing United States-Iran peace negotiations, expressing hope that the dialogue would continue and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two foreign ministers held a telephone conversation during which they reviewed the regional situation, with particular focus on the latest round of indirect US-Iran negotiations held in Doha.

The discussion followed separate facilitation meetings hosted by Pakistan and Qatar with American and Iranian negotiators, during which both sides reported encouraging progress on implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the recent conflict between Washington and Tehran.

"The two leaders discussed the regional situation, especially the recent round of mediations in Doha," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Both ministers expressed satisfaction over the positive developments in the negotiations and voiced optimism that the peace process would continue in the coming weeks.

Prince Faisal also appreciated Pakistan's constructive diplomatic role and its steadfast commitment to implementing the Islamabad MoU, commending Islamabad's continued efforts to facilitate dialogue and promote sustainable peace in the region.

Earlier in the day, the Foreign Office announced that Pakistan and Qatar had held separate meetings with US and Iranian negotiating teams in Doha, where "positive progress" was achieved on various components of the 14-point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The parties agreed to continue negotiations, with the next round expected to be scheduled at the earliest opportunity following the funeral ceremonies of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The diplomatic engagements come as efforts intensify to consolidate the fragile ceasefire reached after months of conflict between the United States and Iran.

US Vice President JD Vance said discussions with Iran were progressing well following indirect technical talks in Doha, which focused on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and other key issues.

"It's still pretty early, but talks are going well," Vance said, while reiterating that Washington had no intention of returning to large-scale military action unless circumstances required it.

The negotiations are being conducted under the framework of the Islamabad MoU signed last month, which established a roadmap for ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and launching a 60-day process aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.

Despite the diplomatic progress, differences remain over several sensitive issues, particularly Iran's nuclear programme, with both Washington and Tehran continuing to exchange accusations regarding the interpretation and implementation of certain provisions of the interim accord.

The recent tensions also resulted in limited retaliatory military exchanges before both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the negotiation process.

Technical discussions in Doha have primarily focused on ensuring the safe movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and addressing concerns related to Iran's nuclear capabilities.

According to reports, maritime traffic through the strategically important waterway has partially resumed after being disrupted during the conflict. Before the hostilities, the Strait of Hormuz handled nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, making its reopening a key objective of the peace process.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the process of Iran's denuclearisation was "moving along well", although he did not provide further details on the ongoing negotiations.

Pakistan has continued to play an active diplomatic role, alongside Qatar, in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, with Islamabad expressing hope that sustained negotiations will lead to a durable settlement and contribute to long-term regional peace and stability.