Diplomatic Efforts for Another Round of U.S.-Iran Talks

April 15—AP reported yesterday that discussions involving several countries on a new round of U.S.-Iran talks are underway. Two Pakistani officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the press, said the first talks were part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also indicated to reporters at the United Nations on April 14 that U.S.-Iran talks may again take place later this week.

Two unnamed U.S. officials told AP April 13 that discussions about a new round of talks were still underway. They said that while the venue, timing, and make-up of the delegations had not been decided, talks could be held on April 16.

Another country trying to get U.S.-Iran talks resumed is Turkiye. “Our position is that the peace talks must continue,” Omer Celik, the official representative of the ruling Justice and Development Party, said on April 13, according to TASS. “To do this, it is imperative to observe and maintain the ceasefire. It is simply unrealistic to expect a result after one round on such a serious issue. Turkiye, for its part, will continue to contribute to the organization of the second and third rounds of these negotiations.”

Celik added that the agenda includes a large number of very difficult topics: the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear program, nuclear weapons, and human casualties. “The unfair, illegal and dishonorable attack by the United States and Israel had very serious consequences for both regional and global security,” he said.

Celik declared that the situation “has reached a point that could lead to cracks even within NATO and the entire Western alliance. And while things are developing this way, we see that Israel continues to undermine peace unhindered. It is trying to take the life out of Lebanon, to occupy it. It’s trying to make Gaza and the West Bank deserted.” 

Sources report that when the U.S. finally decides to reduce its military footprint in the region, Türkiye would be the prime candidate to pick up the slack and increase its footprint. Arab nations view statements and actions by Turkish officials with suspicion.