Iran’s another key energy site attacked ahead of Pakistan mediated US-Iran ceasefire deal

ISLAMABAD: An Iranian oil refinary was targeted on Wednesday evening in Iran, the act being highly criticised as the development comes after both the US and Iran already readied to negotiate ceasefire deal for a period of 14 days taking place on Friday in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the “well-coordinated efforts” of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, saying it was his “tireless” work that helped bring top officials from the United States and Iran to Pakistan for a 14-day ceasefire deal.

Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister said the US-Iran talks would take place in Islamabad over a period of 14 days. However, he added, “Our efforts will continue to ensure that peace prevails in the region.”

He noted that bringing the two countries together for a 14-day ceasefire was once considered unlikely, calling it “the most shining moment in Pakistan’s history” and a step toward a possible lasting peace agreement.

US-Iran talks a renewed identity for Pakistan

The Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesaday that the way Pakistan achieved its success in bringing US and Iran onto the peace-talk table will bear a renewed identity for Pakistan. The US-Iran ceasefire talks, if get through, will be the biggest legacy that “We will ever give to the future generation of Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan will host US-Iran talks on Friday in Islamabad, with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, and JD Vance, the US vice president, will include the delegations coming from both the archrivals on the table in Pakistan.

The talks, attended by Iran’s Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance, take place in the wake of a two-week ceasefire announced after US President Donald Trump gave his approval. Trump stated that Washington would halt military action against Tehran following discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir. The truce, aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, has helped ease fears of a wider regional conflict.