Everything seemed on track this Sunday for the signing of an agreement between Iran and the United States, but Donald Trump ultimately tempered expectations of an imminent agreement to end the war in the Middle East, despite both sides reporting progress in the negotiations.
In addition, Trump stated that the blockade on Iranian ports "will remain in full force" until a definitive agreement is signed with Tehran. The issue of the Iranian nuclear program will be addressed in subsequent negotiations, stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai. Rubio told The New York Times that the agreement with Iran had the support of "seven or eight countries in the region," but that it is not possible to resolve the issue "in 72 hours."
Nevertheless, Marco Rubio assured this Monday that President Donald Trump will not make a "bad deal" with Iran and explained that negotiations for a pact are ongoing because Tehran's internal system requires more time to respond. When asked about the obstacles in the negotiations, which were expected to yield a result on Sunday, Rubio clarified that the process is only awaiting the official response from the Islamic Republic.
Xi Jinping backs Pakistan's mediation between US and Iran for a possible agreement
Chinese President Xi Jinping endorsed Pakistan's mediating role in negotiations between the United States and Iran on Monday and urged Islamabad to maintain "close communication and coordination" to "promote an equal and orderly multipolar world," reports Efe.
Xi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing amid uncertainty about a possible agreement in the Middle East, which, according to US media, is close to being finalized.
"China values Pakistan actively assuming responsibilities and playing a mediating role in restoring peace in the Middle East," Xi expressed, adding that both parties must coordinate to oppose unilateralism and Cold War mentality and promote a multipolar world, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Chinese leader told Sharif that both countries should enhance their security cooperation and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.