Tehran has firmly denied any intention to engage in direct negotiations with the United States, contradicting earlier assertions from the White House regarding planned talks in Pakistan. According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Iran has not requested direct meetings and has consistently rejected US overtures due to "excessive demands." This development comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for discussions, with Iranian officials clarifying that his visit is solely for talks with Pakistani counterparts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had previously announced that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan for direct talks with an Iranian delegation. Leavitt expressed optimism that these negotiations would be productive, aiming to advance a peace deal and extend a ceasefire between the two nations. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated, "No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan."
Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran's paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, echoed this sentiment, reporting that Iranian officials had not agreed to meet directly with their US counterparts. The agency emphasized that Iran has "completely rejected the Americans’ requests for negotiations due to their arrogance until this moment." This stance highlights a significant divergence in public statements between Washington and Tehran regarding the nature of diplomatic engagement.
Pakistani officials are actively mediating between the two sides, with Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi meeting with high-level Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir. While US President Donald Trump has indicated optimism about Iran potentially making an offer, Tehran maintains that its communications are being channeled through Pakistan. The ongoing diplomatic efforts are set against a backdrop of a recent ceasefire extension and continued regional tensions.
