Pakistan military ‘cautiously optimistic’ on Iran-US mediation

Pakistan’s military is “cautiously optimistic” about its mediation between Iran and the United States, its spokesman ​said on Friday in his first interview since a high-level delegation visited Tehran this week. 

According to the ISPR, DG ISPR gave a special interview to British news agency Reuters.

“Why would the Field Marshal be going twice if it is not for some positivity? So yes, of course,” spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said when asked whether the trips were a positive sign.

There were still “powerful spoilers ​and detractors,” who believed conflict serves them, he added without naming them.

Regarding expansion in the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, “Anyone who has a shared ‌vision of ⁠collective deterrence and regional peace, why not? Everyone is most welcome,” he said, adding that it was for the political leadership of the three principal parties to decide.