Pakistani officials: Receive positive signals from Iran expressing willingness to restart face-to-face negotiations

Gold Finance reports that on April 23rd, Wednesday, Pakistani officials remain optimistic, believing there is still a possibility to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table, despite Iran’s seizure of two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz setting a new obstacle for their long-term peace mediation efforts. Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif met with the Iranian ambassador on Wednesday. A Pakistani official who listened to the briefing on the talks stated that a second round of negotiations could take place in the coming days. Former Pakistani ambassador to the US and the UK, Malika Rodi, who is familiar with the current diplomatic efforts, said, “A ceasefire has opened up space for the resumption of diplomatic channels, and Pakistan believes this space is sufficient. Neither side has rejected negotiations.” Another Pakistani official who listened to the briefing and requested anonymity said that after the ceasefire extension, Pakistani mediators received positive signals from Iran, hoping to restart face-to-face negotiations. The official did not specify what these signals were or whether Iran told the Pakistani mediators that the US lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz was a prerequisite for participating in the second round of talks. (The New York Times)