DPM Dar says Israeli strikes on Lebanon nearly derailed US-Iran talks

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday that Israeli attacks on Lebanon nearly disrupted the US-Iran talks held in Switzerland, describing the strikes as an attempt to stall progress towards a broader agreement between the two countries.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, Dar said heavy Israeli bombardment in Lebanon following the signing of an agreement between Washington and Tehran had temporarily halted momentum in the diplomatic process.

He said Pakistan had consistently worked to promote regional peace and stability and urged the international community to persuade Israel to avoid actions that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Discussing the nuclear issue, Dar said Iran had shown flexibility during direct talks hosted in Islamabad in April and was willing to discuss downblending its enriched uranium stockpile. He said the proposal involved reducing uranium enriched above 60 per cent to lower levels under an arrangement that was discussed during the negotiations.