Barrister Aqeel Malik says US-Iran deal near, calls coming week ‘significant’ for Pakistan

Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said on Friday the coming week would be “quite significant” for Pakistan, as Islamabad was once again expected to host talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Middle East war. Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran after the war began on February 28 and has hosted the highest-level talks between the two sides since they snapped diplomatic ties in 1979. Speaking to a private news channel, Malik said the government had completed preparations for the next round of talks, including preventive security measures. He added that, as in the previous round, foolproof security would be ensured, with even stronger arrangements this time. “Within a few hours or by later tonight, things will start becoming clearer. I will not give a specific date or time, but the coming week appears to be very significant for Pakistan, especially for Islamabad,” he said. Malik added that today's announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to open the Strait of Hormuz was part of a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, adding that Pakistan, along with Muslim and friendly countries, had undertaken diplomatic efforts in this regard. Read: Iran FM announces Hormuz's opening for all commercial vessels till ceasefire's remaining duration Terming the development positive, he said matters had largely been settled, citing statements from both Iranian and US authorities. “Things appear to be moving forward in the right and positive direction, which is very good,” he said. Describing Pakistan’s efforts as “par excellence”, the minister said diplomatic engagement from both the military and civilian leadership was continuing to achieve durable and sustainable peace, adding that Pakistan was playing a central role in the process. Responding to a question on the timeline for a possible agreement, Malik said diplomacy was a work in progress and outcomes could not be rushed, particularly in mediation. “Mediation takes time. Both parties begin from strong positions, then talks take place, followed by messaging and shuttle diplomacy, in which Pakistan has played a pivotal role, particularly during last week’s talks in Islamabad,” he said. He added that since last week, progress had been significant and both sides had developed an understanding. “President Trump has said it, and Iranian authorities have also indicated that things have moved forward considerably, which is a very good and positive sign,” he said. He ruled out the participation of other foreign leaders or heads of state in the expected agreement, saying the matter concerned only the US and Iran, with Pakistan acting as a mediator and leading the efforts. Also Read: Trump says Iran war should end 'soon', Hezbollah should support truce “I think the next meeting will not involve negotiations; it will indicate that everything is final and ready to be signed,” he said, adding that whenever it happens, it would be highly significant for Pakistan and would send a message of peace to the world. The minister’s statement came as Tehran on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for commercial ships — the first time since the war began on Feb 28. Pakistan secured a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8. Tehran imposed control on the key waterway soon after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, affecting global energy supplies and maritime traffic. The US has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports since Monday this week, and President Donald Trump has threatened to continue it. Tehran’s announcement came after Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iran's top civil and military leadership over the past two days in Tehran.