Pakistan hopeful of ‘major breakthrough’ in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks

Pakistan is hopeful of a major breakthrough in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks as mediation intensifies despite key disagreements over enrichment limits and uranium stockpiles.

Pakistani officials told Al Jazeera they expect a “major breakthrough” in ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program.

The report, published on April 16, said Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts to help end the conflict, which has caused significant casualties and regional instability.

Optimism grew as a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Asim Munir arrived in Tehran, reportedly carrying a U.S. message for Iranian leadership.

According to Press TV, the visit is part of broader mediation efforts aimed at bridging key differences between Washington and Tehran.

However, major obstacles remain, particularly over the duration of any halt to uranium enrichment and the fate of Iran’s estimated 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.

Discussions have included options such as transferring the stockpile to a third country or diluting it to lower enrichment levels, including civilian-grade uranium.

U.S. officials have proposed a 20-year suspension of enrichment activities, while Iran has indicated it may accept a shorter five-year pause, highlighting the gap between both sides.

Diplomatic sources say recent proposals also include enhanced monitoring mechanisms by the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure compliance if a deal is reached.

The talks follow weeks of conflict and a fragile ceasefire, with negotiations previously held in Islamabad failing to produce a final agreement.

Control of nuclear activities and sanctions relief remain central issues, with both sides seeking guarantees before committing to a deal.

While optimism is growing, significant gaps remain, and any breakthrough will depend on compromises over enrichment limits and the handling of Iran’s nuclear stockpile.

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