TEHRAN (WSN24) – Negotiations facilitated by Pakistan between Iran and the United States commenced in Islamabad on Saturday afternoon, following a temporary ceasefire after 40 days of military aggression by the US and Israel against Iran

According to a correspondent from WSN24 sent to Islamabad, due to extensive discussions taking place in Islamabad, advancements in negotiations, and the reduction of assaults by the Zionist regime from Beirut to southern Lebanon—which is viewed as a positive development in the enforcement of the ceasefire—along with the American administration’s agreement to release Iran’s assets and the necessity for more detailed expert and technical dialogues on this matter, it has been determined that discussions between Iran and the United States will begin in Islamabad to resolve these issues.

Iran asserts that the ceasefire in Lebanon has not yet been fully achieved, and that the United States has a responsibility to pressure the Israeli regime to honor this commitment. The Iranian delegation is actively pursuing this issue through the Pakistani mediator and within the negotiation setting.

The Iranian delegation, harboring doubts about the other party and reflecting on past experiences of US violations of agreements in previous negotiations, has consented to engage in this round of discussions under the mediation of Pakistan.

Following the assassination of the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, and several military leaders on February 28, the US and Israel initiated a large-scale military offensive against Iran. In retaliation, the Iranian Armed Forces executed strikes on American and Israeli positions in the region and the occupied territories, demonstrating their ability to respond effectively. Contrary to the aggressors’ anticipations of a swift victory, Iran’s formidable counterattacks over 40 days caused substantial damage to US and Israeli military resources.

In an attempt to reduce tensions, Pakistani mediation resulted in a two-week ceasefire agreement on April 8, which facilitates negotiations in Islamabad. Iran has proposed a ten-point agenda for the discussions, which encompasses demands for the withdrawal of US troops, the removal of sanctions, and control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian government holds a position of skepticism regarding the United States, claiming that the negotiations are not intended to settle the conflict, but instead aim to transfer the battleground to the realm of diplomacy.

SOURCE: WSN24 AND NEWS AGENCIES