President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would consider visiting Pakistan if a potential agreement between the United States and Iran is finalized in Islamabad.
He emphasized Pakistan’s role in the ongoing negotiations.
“I would go to Pakistan,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he would visit the country to finalize an agreement. “Pakistan has been great. They’ve been very good. If a deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go,” he added.
Pakistan has become an important intermediary as Washington and Tehran try to reach a new understanding, with talks continuing despite recent setbacks.
The U.S. is currently maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports as a temporary ceasefire between the two sides is due to expire next week, increasing pressure for renewed diplomacy.
Negotiations in Islamabad last week did not lead to a breakthrough. However, all sides remain involved.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Thursday that communication between the U.S. and Iran is continuing through Islamabad, with efforts being made to arrange another round of talks, although no date has yet been set.
“Who will come, how large the delegation will be, who will stay, and who will leave is for the parties to decide,” Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, according to Al Jazeera.
“As a mediator, it is important for us to keep the talks confidential,” he added. “The details and information of the talks were entrusted to us by the negotiating parties.”
Earlier Thursday, Trump also announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire following meetings in Washington — a possible step toward reducing broader regional tensions connected to the conflict involving Iran.
Israel has carried out a series of strikes on Lebanon since the start of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
Iran and Pakistan have argued that Lebanon was included in the original ceasefire arrangement, while U.S. and Israeli officials have disputed that claim.