Never refused to go to Islamabad: Iran
Araghchi says US media misrepresenting its position on peace talks
TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said that Tehran’s leadership “never refused to go to Islamabad” for possible peace talks that Pakistan has offered to host to bring the ongoing US-Israeli war on the Islamic republic to an end.
“Iran’s position is being misrepresented by US media,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” he emphasised.
He also shared a video showing Iranians waving Pakistan’s flags in an apparent show of appreciation for Pakistan and its people. The Iranian FM ended his post with “Pakistan Zindabad” written in Urdu.
Araghchi’s statement comes a day after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing unnamed mediators, reported that the “current round of efforts by regional countries led by Pakistan to reach a ceasefire” between the United States and Iran had reached a “dead end”.
Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar promptly appreciated Araghchi’s “clarification”.
“Truly appreciate your clarification, my dear brother,” Dar said on X in response to Araghchi’s post.
Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi termed Araghchi’s statement a “timely reminder” that “speculation helps no one”.
“Stick to official statements and verified media readouts for clear and accurate information,” he said.
The clarification from Iran also follows media reports noting that Tehran had yet to formally respond to proposals for a dialogue despite back-channel exchanges in recent days.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process, leveraging its ties with the US, its working relationship with Iran, and its strategic partnership with China.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had initially offered on March 24 that Pakistan stood “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran.
Last week, Islamabad hosted a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers and reiterated its offer.
On March 31, Pakistan and China also issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace in the Middle East, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Staff Report
