Iran, US To Bridge Differences Over Nuclear Programme? Pakistan Expects 'Major Breakthrough', Next Round Of Talks Soon

As Pakistan continued its bid to broker a peace deal between the United States and Iran, a "major breakthrough" was reportedly expected in talks over Tehran's nuclear programme. The positive outlook emerged day after a Pakistani delegation, led by Army Chief Asim Munir, visited Tehran to convey the US' message to the Iranian regime.

According to Pakistani officials, cited by Al Jazeera, "a major breakthrough on the nuclear front" was expected. They further said that the two warring sides were in continuous dialogue via Islamabad and the Asim Munir delegation was relaying messages between Washington and Tehran.

Pakistan is also aiming to lay groundwork for another round of peace talks between the US and Iran, according to Iran's Press TV. On Thursday, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said Islamabad was keeping channels open between the two countries, but no date has been decided for the next round of talks yet.

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What Is The Contention Between Iran And US

The US and Iran are in disagreement on two main points over Tehran's nuclear programme. The first contention is over the period for which Iran should freeze uranium enrichment. While the US demanded 20 years of no enrichment, Tehran was adamant on halting enrichment for five years only.

Iran reportedly holds a stockpile of 440 kg of highly enriched uranium (up to 60 per cent). While Iran has maintained that it uses the uranium for civilian energy purposes only, concerns have been raised by the US over further enrichment, up to 90 per cent, which is required to produce a nuclear weapon.

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The second sticking point is over what Iran will do with the 440kg of nuclear-enriched material. According to Al Jazeera's Osama Bin Javaid, "There are multiple options – whether sending it abroad to a third party or bringing it down to either uranium in its natural form or up to 3 percent." He further cited sources to report that the Pakistani officials were optimistic about being able to convince Tehran.

Pakistan's Shuttle Diplomacy

After the first round of peace talks between Iran and the US collapsed, Pakistan has undertaken "shuttle diplomacy" to mediate between the two sides to end the war which has led to thousands of deaths and sent the oil prices soaring. They are seeking to bring Iran and the US to compromise on three main issues: Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who received the Pakistani delegates, reportedly thanked Islamabad for its "gracious hosting of dialogue". Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the discussions with Iran were "productive and ongoing" and the next round of talks were likely in Islamabad.

These talks follow a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, which was reached on April 8.