Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back at reports that Iran was unwilling to travel to Islamabad for future talks with the US, underscoring that Tehran’s position hinged on the terms and conditions of any negotiations.
“Iran’s position is being misrepresented by the US media. We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad,” Mr Araghchi said in a post on X.
“What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” he further said.
His remarks came a day after a report by The Wall Street Journal said Iran had declined to participate in talks in Islamabad, citing objections to US demands and suggesting Pakistan’s efforts had stalled.
The exchange helped keep alive a fragile diplomatic track that Islamabad has been facilitating through backchannel contacts between Washington and Tehran. Officials say Pakistan has been relaying messages while building support for talks through parallel engagements with regional and global partners.
Mr Araghchi’s clarification came at a time when momentum for negotiations had slowed, with Tehran yet to formally signal readiness for talks despite reported exchanges through intermediaries.
Pakistani officials say Islamabad has remained in contact with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mr Araghchi to encourage participation. Diplomatic outreach continued with Mr Dar holding separate calls with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. According to official readouts, the discussions focused on regional developments, the need for de-escalation and support for dialogue.
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