US says it is working toward ‘lasting and effective ceasefire’ with Iran

The US said Thursday that talks with Iran are ongoing to secure a “lasting and effective ceasefire.”

“We are trying to have a lasting and effective ceasefire. That's something that both sides have expressed a willingness for,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said at the Atlantic Council’s Global Prosperity Forum in Washington.

“It has proven a little more elusive in the details as to how far does that extend, who does that cover, what theaters does that cover, but we are in talks, as we speak, to try to nail all that down,” he added.

Landau said the US believes it has achieved its initial military objectives, including degrading Iran’s missile, naval and delivery capabilities, particularly in southern regions and the Gulf.

“I think we are working very hard to bring the current military campaign to a close,” he said.

His remarks come after Washington and Tehran announced a two-week truce Tuesday aimed at paving the way for a final agreement to end the war, which has left thousands dead and wounded since Feb. 28.

The US and Iranian delegations will hold “direct” talks in Islamabad aimed at reaching a “permanent ceasefire,” Pakistani government sources told Anadolu.

The negotiations, set to begin Saturday, may extend beyond a single day, said sources.