The US is close to reaching an agreement with Iran on a temporary de-escalation of tensions. However, a full resolution of the conflict in the near future is unlikely.
Modern.az reports that US Special Representative Tom Barrek stated this in an interview with CNN within the framework of the “Global Perspectives” event held in Doha.
According to him, Qatar, Pakistan, and other US partners have intensified their diplomatic efforts to bring Washington and Tehran back to the negotiating table.
“Qatar, Pakistan, and all our allies have done a good job of bringing us together in the same room and agreeing on a certain process. We are close to it. I think we are very close to the point where we can finally say, ‘let’s just take a break for a while’,” the US representative said.
T. Barrek emphasized that currently, it is not about a comprehensive agreement, but about a temporary cessation of the escalation of the conflict. This could give the countries of the region the opportunity to independently determine the future path towards resolving the conflict.
According to his assessment, the de-escalation process could begin within the next two weeks.
The US representative also recalled the seven-day pause option proposed by Qatar. He stated that this proposal is still under consideration.
However, Barrek did not disclose whether Iran agreed to that proposal or whether any agreement has already been signed between the parties.
Tom Barrek admitted that the negotiations were complicated due to difficulties in establishing contact with the Iranian leadership.
According to him, the killing of Iranian officials with whom the US side had contact during the conflict complicated the communication process.
“As we eliminate our interlocutors in Iran, communication becomes even more difficult,” he said.
The US representative also questioned the transparency of the decision-making process in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
He noted that Washington finds it difficult to understand who specifically determines the position of this structure and what factors influence its activities.
Barrek emphasized the increasing role of regional states in diplomatic efforts.
According to him, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey are establishing contacts with Iran, trying to reduce tensions, while coordinating their activities with the US.
“It’s surprising: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey go to Iran to try to de-escalate tensions, and we act in coordination with them. We are all getting used to a different foreign policy model,” Barrek said.
