Conflict in West Asia: Iran FM Araghchi and Pakistan Army Chief Munir hold talks in Tehran, discuss regional security | Today’s news
Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to end the conflict in West Asia and ensure lasting peace in the region, the Iranian government said on Saturday.
The two sides discussed the security situation in West Asia and exchanged views on regional developments, according to ANI. According to the Tasnim news agency, the talks continued late into Friday night and included discussions on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday on what Pakistan’s military described as an important visit aimed at advancing efforts for a US-Iran peace deal, adding that the trip was “part of ongoing mediation efforts”, as reported by PTI.
What did the Iranian FM say to the UN Secretary General?
Amid escalating tensions and continued diplomatic contact, Araghchi told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that Washington’s “excessive demands” remained a major obstacle to ongoing peace talks, Al Jazeera reported.
During a phone conversation with Guterres, Araghchi reportedly accused the United States of repeatedly undermining diplomatic efforts by breaking commitments, conflicting positions and military actions, while saying Iran remains engaged in ceasefire discussions.
Read also | UAE presidential adviser sees 50:50 chance of US-Iran peace deal
According to Al Jazeera’s sources, Guterres opposed the use of force against the sovereignty of any nation and emphasized the need for diplomacy to help restore regional stability.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s administration was preparing for a new round of military strikes against Iran on Friday (local time), sources familiar with the planning told CBS News. The sources added that no final decision has yet been taken on whether to carry out the strikes.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei pointed to what he called deep-seated differences between the two sides and reaffirmed Iran’s position on the 14-point proposal previously submitted to the United States.
Read also | How the war in Iran helped Ukraine go from problem to solution
“The reason we don’t talk about the details of nuclear discussions is clear. We did it twice and the other side’s greed led us to war. We cannot ignore that experience,” Al Jazeera said, citing Baghaei.
He added: “When it comes to nuclear issues, the matter is very clear – we are a member of the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) and we have the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”
As developments in the region continue, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier said he was consulting with NATO allies about possible contingencies related to the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Read also | Iran found a partner to help with the myth in the Strait of Hormuz. That partner is the US ally
Speaking to reporters at a ministerial summit in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio stressed the importance of being operationally prepared, saying, “We have to have a plan B if someone shoots” in the strategically important sea passage.
“At some point, ideally, they’re going to open the strait,” Rubio said, alluding to Iran before warning, “there has to be a plan B, what if Iran says, ‘No, we refuse to open the strait?’
Islamabad hosted senior officials from both sides for peace talks last month – the first such talks since 1979 – but the talks failed to produce an agreement.
Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz are seen as major points of contention. The strategic waterway typically provides nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies. Shipping activity across the strait has been heavily affected since February 28, when the US and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks.
Disruption to maritime traffic continues despite a fragile cease-fire that took effect on April 8.
