Talks over extending ongoing fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran – set to expire between April 21-22 – while ongoing, have so far been inconclusive.
“The United States has not formally agreed to an extension of the ceasefire,” a senior US official told CBS News on Wednesday. “There is continued engagement between the US and Iran to reach a deal.”
Releasing a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry acknowledged on Wednesday that while Tehran and Washington were engaged in indirect communication, the aim for the Islamic Republic is nothing short of a complete end to the war, a lifting of sanctions against Tehran, and reparations owed for the damages caused.
“Regarding talks and negotiations, the exchange of messages is continuing,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Wednesday in remarks aired by Iranian state TV.
“Since Sunday, when the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran, multiple messages have been exchanged through a Pakistani intermediary.”
Baghaei said Iran’s “positions are very clear” and that the ongoing diplomacy, in Tehran’s view, is “aimed at a complete cessation of war and the restoration of Iran’s rights, including not only the lifting of sanctions but also compensation for damages inflicted on Iran during the imposed war by the United States and the Israeli regime.”
While President Donald Trump has said he’s optimistic that a new round of direct talks with Iran could soon bring about a final agreement that will end the war, Iran has not expressed the same level of optimism, remaining very cautious in its tone.
Baghaei said Iran was “likely hosting a Pakistani delegation” on Wednesday “in continuation of the discussions that took place in Islamabad and the talks the Pakistani side has had with the United States; our positions have been heard and conveyed.”
Tehran further confirmed Wednesday that no date had been set for starting a new round of direct talks with Washington, with Pakistani officials reportedly working to facilitate such negotiations again.
Senior officials from Pakistan, which has acted as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, were expected in Tehran on Wednesday as part of efforts by Islamabad to keep the diplomacy going.
