Positive progress in talks: Pakistan

DOHA MEET | Negotiations are going well, military option open if Iran revives nuclear plan or attacks shipping in strait, says Vance

What the president has said is go and make a deal, go and negotiate in good faith. 

JD Vance 

US Vice-President

Doha: Pakistan on Thursday said talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Doha had made "positive progress", with both sides agreeing to continue discussions after the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Pakistan's Foreign Office said Pakistani and Qatari mediators held separate meetings with the delegations, building on the Islamabad MoU and the Lake Lucerne Summit. The next round of talks will be scheduled after the funeral processions conclude.

US Vice President JD Vance also struck an optimistic note, saying negotiations were “going well”, though still at an early stage.

Vance said the immediate priority was ensuring the safety of commercial shipping before turning to Iran’s nuclear programme. He added that President Donald Trump preferred a negotiated settlement but would not hesitate to use military force if Tehran resumed its nuclear programme or attacked commercial vessels.

“If they try to rebuild their nuclear programme, if they try to start shooting at commercial vessels again, that's going to change our calculus,” Vance said.

He also said there appeared to be growing support within Iran's leadership for improving ties with the West and Gulf states, while warning military action remained an option if Tehran blocked inspections or resumed atta­cks on shipping.

–Agencies

Strait traffic hits record levels: Trump

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