Urgent to wait for Iran’s response before Thursday! Pakistan Prime Minister: Ready to host US-Iran talks

# Li Dan, Ye Zhen

Source: Wall Street CN

Mediators including Pakistan are pushing hard for the U.S. and Iran to hold talks on a **15-point ceasefire plan within 48 hours**, but are still awaiting a response from Tehran. The two sides remain deeply divided on core issues, and Israel’s acceptance of the proposed deal remains unclear. Iran has refused to negotiate with U.S. Special Envoy **Steve Witkoff**, and U.S. Vice President **JD Vance**—who has kept a low profile during the conflict—is now Tehran’s preferred chief negotiator.

As U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran enter their fourth week, the geopolitical situation stands at a critical diplomatic crossroads.

Mediators including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are working feverishly to arrange high-level talks between U.S. and Iranian officials by Thursday. However, the two sides remain deeply at odds over ceasefire terms and core interests, and Israel’s stance on the proposed agreement remains uncertain.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a social media post on March 24 that he is ready to host talks between the U.S. and Iran.

Citing CCTV News, the U.S. is discussing with multiple mediators the possibility of holding high-level peace talks with Iran as early as this week, but is still waiting for Tehran’s response.

The U.S. has presented Iran with a **15-point ceasefire plan**, claiming Tehran has made concessions on some key terms. However, no conclusive evidence exists that a deal has been reached. Israel has adopted a cautious stance, expressing concern that the U.S. may reach an agreement with Iran without fully meeting its security objectives.

Initial expectations of ceasefire talks triggered sharp reactions in financial markets. Following reports that the U.S. was seeking a ceasefire, international crude oil prices fell sharply in the short term, and U.S. stock futures surged. Investors hope the nearly month-long conflict in the Middle East may be de-escalating, though doubts remain about whether a deal can be finalized.

Despite diplomatic signals of de-escalation, on-the-ground fighting and hardline positions have not substantially cooled. Iran has refused to engage with the current U.S. negotiator and continues to launch attacks on Israel and multiple regional countries. The U.S. Pentagon is preparing to deploy thousands of elite troops to the Middle East, while Israel insists it will press ahead with military strikes at “full intensity.” This “fighting while negotiating” strategy leaves the ultimate trajectory of the Middle East situation highly uncertain.

## Push for High-Level U.S.-Iran Talks Within 48 Hours

Pakistan and other countries are mediating intensively to broker high-level talks between the U.S. and Iran within 48 hours—by Thursday.

A U.S.-proposed framework to end the war has become the focal point of negotiations. The U.S. is seeking a one-month ceasefire to advance a **15-point peace plan**. The plan’s core demands include: dismantling Iran’s existing nuclear capabilities, a permanent commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, the demolition of nuclear facilities such as **Natanz**, an end to Iranian funding of regional proxies, and guarantees for unimpeded navigation in the **Strait of Hormuz** as a free maritime zone. In exchange, the U.S. would lift all sanctions and assist in developing civilian nuclear programs.

Trump previously hinted that Iran had offered a “valuable gift” in ongoing talks as a gesture of goodwill, confirming it relates to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan’s Army Chief **Asim Munir** has reportedly played a key “middleman” role in conveying the plan and messages.

## Deep Divisions and Rejection of U.S. Envoy

However, establishing communication channels faces significant human obstacles.

Media reports indicate Iran has refused to negotiate with Trump’s Middle East Envoy **Steve Witkoff** and Senior Advisor **Jared Kushner**, accusing them of being “backstabbers” for launching military strikes against Tehran shortly after talks in February.

Citing Gulf sources, U.S. Vice President **JD Vance**—who has maintained a low profile during the conflict—is now Iran’s preferred chief negotiator.

Furthermore, there is deep skepticism within Iran about the talks themselves. Some officials fear face-to-face meetings in Islamabad could be an assassination trap targeting Iranian Parliament Speaker **Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf**.

## Military Pressure Continues, Israel Remains Cautious

As diplomatic efforts proceed, dual military pressure on the battlefield has not ceased.

According to CCTV News, the U.S. Pentagon plans to deploy a brigade combat team of approximately 3,000 soldiers from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to support operations against Iran.

While officials stress no decision has been made to send ground troops into Iran, the move opens multiple military options for the U.S., including re-opening the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports indicate U.S. Defense Secretary **Pete Hegseth** and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff **Dan Caine** are “disappointed” with the idea of negotiating a ceasefire and prefer a military victory.

Israel has expressed significant skepticism about the ceasefire proposal. Israeli Defense Minister **Katz** said Tuesday that strikes against Iran would continue at “full intensity.” Energy Minister **Cohen** emphasized the need for calm regarding negotiation statements, stating bluntly that Israel “remains in a state of war.”

According to Xinhua News Agency, the Israeli military has struck over 3,000 Iran-related targets since the operation began. In response, Iran launched its 79th wave of attacks, continuing to fire missiles and drones at targets including Tel Aviv and U.S. military bases.

## Regional Spillover Risks Rise, Market Concerns Intensify

The ongoing conflict is inflicting substantial damage on global energy markets and regional supply chains.

Iran recently halted natural gas exports to Turkey following Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Meanwhile, QatarEnergy declared force majeure on some LNG contracts due to the war.

Media reports indicate Iran’s largest Arab neighbors in the Gulf—particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE—are growing impatient with Iran’s continued attacks on ports and energy facilities. Over the past 24 hours, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have all intercepted Iranian-launched aircraft.

Saudi Arabia has informed the U.S. it is prepared to take military action against Iran if its power and water infrastructure are targeted. This means failure to achieve a decisive breakthrough by Thursday’s deadline could lead to further escalation in the Middle East.

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