Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the carefully negotiated Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was instrumental in bringing the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table in Switzerland.
In an interview, Dar disclosed that the scheduled discussions in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, were nearly derailed due to Israeli military actions in Lebanon. He explained that escalating regional tensions severely impacted backchannel diplomatic efforts, threatening to collapse the US-Iran dialogue altogether.
Dar emphasized Pakistan’s continuous facilitation throughout the process, initially helping to secure a ceasefire between the involved parties before working to revive the stalled diplomatic channels.
He noted that the technical negotiations currently underway in Switzerland could have started earlier but were delayed and almost disrupted by the Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
The renewed talks in Switzerland are focused on implementing the terms outlined in the Islamabad MoU. Both sides have accepted this framework, and progress is actively being made with a strict timeline requiring the completion of the remaining negotiations within 30 days.
Dar also shared insights into the key issues to be addressed in the upcoming phases of dialogue, which include sanctions, Iran’s nuclear program, and the situation in Lebanon.
He revealed that Iran had previously agreed to down-blend its enriched nuclear stockpiles to lower levels. However, Dar clarified that sanctions on Iran will not be lifted immediately, as their future depends on mutual consultations between the United States and Iran.
Addressing regional security, Dar highlighted that the diplomatic breakthrough also covers maritime security concerns in the Middle East. Under the current understandings, no fees or tolls will be imposed on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
He stressed the importance of restoring the Strait of Hormuz to its previous status, allowing free navigation without financial levies or restrictions, ensuring uninterrupted shipping traffic through this vital waterway.
Reflecting on the broader economic impact of easing geopolitical tensions, Dar pointed out how previous diplomatic successes had stabilized global markets, citing the decline in energy prices as a clear benefit of peace.
