ISLAMABAD: While the White House on Wednesday said the US is discussing a possible second round of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad and is optimistic about reaching a deal, Pakistan\u2019s civil and military leadership engaged in feverish diplomacy, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarking on a four-day tour to Riyadh, Doha and Istanbul and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir leading a delegation to Tehran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Field Marshal Munir\u2019s visit comes at a delicate stage in the Iran-US engagement process days ahead of the expiry of the 15-day fragile truce. The visit, moreover, follows backchannel exchanges continuing after last week\u2019s direct talks in Islam\u00adabad ended without a breakthrough tho\u00adu\u00adgh the diplomatic channel remained open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A source close to the delegation said FM Munir carried a message from Washington, including updates linked to efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. Iran was awaiting Israeli announcement on ceasefire before deciding its response to the message relayed through Pakistan, the source added, underlining how developments in Lebanon remain tied to the broader negotiation track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Iranian side was reportedly also judging whether or not US would stand by the commitments being made in the proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who received the delegation at the airport, later in a post on X said he was \u201cdelighted to welcome Field Marshal Munir to Iran\u201d. He expressed gratitude for Pakistan\u2019s hosting of the dialogue, calling it a reflection of \u201cdeep and great bilateral relationship\u201d and a shared commitment to regional peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n