A significant development in efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran is expected imminently, with reports of “good news” emerging as President Donald Trump’s deadline on Tehran draws closer.
Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator between the two countries, has requested that President Trump grant a two-week extension to the deadline he imposed on Iran to end its blockade of Gulf oil. A regional source told CNN that “some good news is expected from both sides soon,” adding that discussions have been steered directly by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
President Trump said he was about to be fully briefed on Pakistan’s extension request. Speaking of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he said: “I can say this, that I know him very well. He’s a highly respected man, all over.”
Separately, a personal envoy of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is planning to visit Iran as part of broader international efforts to encourage an end to the conflict. A UN source said the travel plans of Jean Arnault — a veteran diplomat whom Mr Guterres appointed as his envoy on the conflict last month — would depend on security and logistics. Mr Arnault travelled to the Middle East on Monday.
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