Axios: Washington and Tehran negotiators close to a deal to end the war

The American news website Axios reported on Wednesday that American and Iranian negotiators came close to reaching a framework agreement to end the war during the first round of talks, amid attempts by both sides to bridge the remaining gaps and reach an agreement in the second round before the end of the ceasefire on April 21, the deadline previously announced by US President Donald Trump.

But at the same time, the website warned, citing US officials and sources familiar with the mediation, that reaching an agreement is not guaranteed, given the fundamental differences between the two sides. This comes as a Pakistani delegation, headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to hold talks with Iranian officials.

The website quoted a US official as saying that President Trump’s negotiating team – Vice President Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkopf, and senior adviser Jared Kushner – continued making calls and exchanging draft proposals with the Iranians and mediators – Pakistanis, Egyptians, and Turks – on Tuesday, and are getting closer to reaching an agreement.

US officials and sources familiar with the mediation confirmed that a new round of direct, face-to-face talks is likely to be held in the coming days before the ceasefire expires, but no date has been set. If a framework agreement is reached, the ceasefire will have to be extended to negotiate the details of a comprehensive agreement.

Shafaq.com