Pakistan. Iran-US talks show progress but statements ‘very contradictory’.. Video

Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has held “highly productive talks” with the Iranian leadership in Tehran, resulting in “encouraging progress towards a final understanding” between the United States and Iran, according to the Pakistani army.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said “some progress” had been made through the Pakistani mediation, adding that “there is ⁠a chance that, whether it’s ⁠later today, ⁠tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to ‌say”.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says that Iran “decided to focus the negotiations on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon”, refusing to discuss its nuclear programme.

Israel continues to launch air strikes on southern Lebanon after killing at least 3,123 people since March 2, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Setareh Sadeqi, assistant professor at the University of Tehran, spoke to Al Jazeera about the seemingly encouraging signs emerging from Pakistan towards a final understanding between Iran and the United States.

“I think there is a clear message that there is a regional desire to come to an agreement and make it happen between the United States and Iran,” said Sadeqi.

But she cautioned the messaging from all sides remains “very contradictory”.

“We’re seeing both parties talking about being very close, but at the same time being far and that the military option is on the table and it could happen within even hours, if not days,” she added.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump said he was close to restarting the war before Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE urged him not to and to continue negotiations.

“The Pakistani officials are also saying that there are still points that need to be settled, and that means that it has actually not been finalised,” added Sadeqi.

World Opinion + Agencies