Iran, the United States, and mediator Pakistan all reported on Saturday that progress has been made in talks aimed at ending the ongoing war. The negotiations have seen Tehran focusing on finalizing a memorandum of understanding, according to Iran's foreign ministry.
Diplomatic Engagements in Tehran
Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, in Tehran. Munir also held talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian before departing the Iranian capital, as reported by Iranian state media. The Pakistani army described the negotiations over the previous 24 hours as yielding "encouraging" progress towards a final understanding.
US Perspective on Progress
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently visiting India, acknowledged that some progress had been made. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Rubio stated: "There's been some progress done, some progress made, even as I speak to you now, there's some work being done. There is a chance that, whether it's later today, tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to say."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei added: "The trend this week has been towards a reduction in disputes, but there are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators. We will have to wait and see where the situation ends in the next three or four days."
Trump Cancels Personal Plans
President Donald Trump canceled plans to attend his son Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding this weekend, instead opting to remain in Washington, D.C., "during this important period of time." The president had also intended to spend time at his golf property in New Jersey for Memorial Day weekend but returned to the White House instead. Reports indicate that the Trump administration is preparing for a fresh round of military strikes as the situation remains fluid.
