"With cautious optimism, we can hope that, upon realization of such commitment on the part of the opposite party, a positive step is taking shape," Reza Amiri Moghaddam said on Saturday.
He said the positions of the Islamic Republic, based on dignity, the steadfastness of its brave Armed Forces, and the resistance of the brave Iranian nation, as well as the initiative and selfless efforts of the Pakistani mediator, are to be credited with this potential step.
The envoy made the remarks after being informed by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of the developments that took place during the latter's earlier trip to the Iranian capital Tehran as part of Islamabad's mediation efforts.
"I hope that the sincere efforts" invested by the Pakistani government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Commander of the Pakistani Armed Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Naqvi "in their mediation initiative and sincere diplomatic efforts will lead to lasting peace in the region," Amiri Moghaddam added.
Recent diplomatic activity between Tehran and Washington has been facilitated through Islamabad, with officials describing an emerging framework for a potential 14-point memorandum aimed at de-escalating tensions.
Also on Saturday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the document was intended to address several core issues, including cessation of aggression, halting the US's illegal naval blockade against the Islamic Republic, and securing the release of frozen Iranian assets.
He said after several weeks of dialogue between the two sides, the “process appears to be moving toward a convergence of views,” while stressing that Iran remains cautious about the durability of US positions.
According to the official, discussions at this stage are focused on drafting a structured memorandum of understanding, rather than finalizing a comprehensive agreement, with further negotiations expected over a 30 to 60 day period once the framework is completed.