JERUSALEM/ISLAMABAD — Optimism is growing that the ongoing war involving Iran may be nearing an end, following reported progress in mediation efforts led by Pakistan. However, key disagreements, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program, continue to pose significant challenges to a final agreement.
A source familiar with the negotiations said a breakthrough had been achieved on several difficult issues, raising hopes for renewed talks and a possible extension of the current two-week ceasefire. Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to help prevent a resurgence of hostilities after earlier discussions in Islamabad concluded without a deal.
The United States and Pakistan have expressed confidence in the prospects of a resolution to the more than six-week conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump said a potential agreement could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply.
The closure of the strait has triggered a sharp surge in global oil prices and prompted the International Monetary Fund to downgrade its economic outlook, warning that prolonged conflict could push the global economy toward recession.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that both sides are open to resuming talks, although no specific timeline has been set. Iranian officials have also indicated willingness to continue negotiations but stressed that major differences remain, particularly regarding nuclear policy.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization chief, Mohammad Eslami, emphasized that any agreement must respect Iran’s rights and interests. He warned that negotiations would fail if they rely on what he described as deception or lack of commitment.
Nuclear issues remain a central sticking point. The United States has proposed a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran has suggested a shorter pause of three to five years. Washington has also pushed for the removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, while Iran has demanded the lifting of international sanctions.
A separate source indicated that Iran may be open to diluting its enriched uranium under international supervision, including oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United States.
Regional tensions continue to complicate the situation. Any broader peace agreement is expected to include a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged in a parallel conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Israeli officials have discussed a possible ceasefire, while U.S. President Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, marking a rare direct contact between the two sides.
Despite diplomatic efforts, violence persists. Fighting continued in southern Lebanon on Thursday, with reports of Israeli strikes damaging key infrastructure and causing casualties.
Global financial markets have responded positively to the possibility of a resolution. Stock markets have rallied in recent days, with major indexes in Asia and on Wall Street reaching record highs as oil prices stabilized.
The conflict began on February 28 following joint U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which triggered retaliatory strikes and escalated tensions across the region. Thousands have been killed, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, while rising energy costs have unsettled global markets.
As negotiations continue, the future of Iran’s nuclear program and the broader regional security landscape remain uncertain, even as hopes for peace grow.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
