Kehinde Adegoke | International Agencies
U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States is making progress with Iran and that a deal could be reached soon, a claim swiftly dismissed as a facade by Iran’s parliament.
According to Reuters, CNN, and others on the 29th (local time), President Trump said during an impromptu press conference aboard his plane returning to Washington, D.C. from Florida, where he spent the weekend, “I believe we are discussing important matters (with Iran).” He added, “A deal with Iran seems likely” and “It could happen soon.”
President Trump also mentioned regarding the 15-point peace proposal proposed to Iran, “(Iran) is largely in agreement with our plan.”
Additionally, President Trump stated that Iran has agreed to allow the passage of 20 large oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz starting from the morning of the 30th. President Trump said, “I can’t explain it exactly, but it seems they are sending the 20 ships as a sign of respect.”
President Trump’s remarks came after Pakistan announced that it would host U.S.-Iran talks “within a few days” in the country. Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran, has been mediating since the outbreak of war on the 28th of last month.
On this day, during a four-nation foreign ministers’ meeting with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt in Pakistan, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, “We are very pleased that Iran and the U.S. have expressed trust in Pakistan to facilitate smooth negotiations” and “It will be an honor to host and assist in meaningful talks between the two sides within a few days.”
Dar added, “The foreign ministers of the three countries have expressed full support for this initiative” and “Together with the three countries, we discussed ways to end the regional war early and permanently.” He continued, “Everyone agreed that this war benefits no one and will only lead to death and destruction,” and “We also shared the view that the only feasible and viable solution is dialogue and diplomacy.”
Dar also stated that China has expressed “full” support for Pakistan’s plan to host talks between the U.S. and Iran, adding, “Our friendly countries have shown deep gratitude and support. We will devote ourselves with sincerity and dedication.”
Earlier, regarding the Pakistan talks, Majlis (parliament) Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated, “(The talks) are nothing but a facade.” He mentioned the U.S. additional troop deployments in the Middle East and said, “The moment U.S. troops set foot on the ground, they will be set ablaze and punished forever.”
