Pakistan Foreign Office Clarifies No Date Finalized for US-Iran Talks
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a clear statement on Thursday, confirming that no specific date has yet been established for a potential second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran. During the weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed the media, emphasizing that if any future talks are scheduled, the official announcement regarding the date and time will be made through proper channels.
Media Urged to Avoid Speculative Reporting
Andrabi specifically cautioned against speculation concerning the timing of the next round of discussions, often referred to as the 'Islamabad Talks'. He urged media outlets to refrain from publishing unverified information and to rely on official statements. "We request that speculation regarding the timing of future talks be avoided," he stated firmly, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting in such sensitive diplomatic matters.
Pakistan's Constructive Diplomatic Role Recognized
The spokesperson detailed Pakistan's ongoing efforts in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan has been acknowledged for its constructive diplomatic engagement aimed at supporting de-escalation and ceasefire initiatives. Andrabi explained that through sustained interactions with both nations, Islamabad has actively worked to encourage open dialogue, facilitate message exchanges, and help create conducive conditions for meaningful negotiations.
"Throughout sustained interaction with both Washington and Tehran, Islamabad has sought to encourage dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages and help create conditions and space for meaningful negotiations," Andrabi noted. He added that this approach reflects Pakistan's consistent commitment to regional stability and international peace, favoring principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy over confrontation.
Background of Recent Intensive Negotiations
The clarification comes in the context of recent high-stakes talks held in Islamabad. On April 11, delegations from the US and Iran arrived in Pakistan for conclusive discussions following a two-week immediate ceasefire announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which included regions like Lebanon. Despite marathon negotiations lasting approximately 21 hours over a weekend, both sides were unable to reach a final agreement to end their conflict, with each blaming the other for the impasse.
These prolonged talks aimed to halt hostilities that have resulted in thousands of casualties and driven global oil prices higher over the past six weeks. The conflict originated from a joint US-Israel offensive on Iran on February 28, which caused significant casualties, including the death of then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and led to retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, as well as restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan's Diplomatic Leadership and Outreach
Andrabi highlighted the active involvement of Pakistan's leadership in these peace efforts. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, with engagement from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has maintained open communication channels with all concerned parties. Notably, CDF Munir is currently in Iran as part of ongoing Middle East peace negotiation efforts, accompanied by a delegation including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The spokesperson also detailed broader diplomatic outreach, including the prime minister's visits to key regional countries and direct military engagements with counterparts in Tehran. Additionally, Prime Minister Sharif held multiple telephone conversations with world leaders from Austria, Qatar, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada, who expressed support for Pakistan's peace initiatives. "The German chancellor expressed strong endorsement of Pakistan for our role in these peace efforts," the briefing revealed, with Italian and UK prime ministers also appreciating Islamabad's facilitative role.
Intensive Talks and Future Commitments
The Foreign Office described the recent Islamabad discussions as intensive and extensive, spanning around 21 hours of formal negotiation time and over 30 hours overall, including breaks and informal interactions. Senior Pakistani officials played a crucial role in mediating several rounds of constructive negotiations. Andrabi stressed that Pakistan will continue its facilitative role, emphasizing the imperative for both parties to uphold their ceasefire commitments.
These efforts are part of Pakistan's broader diplomatic strategy, which includes engagements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, participation in regional forums, and coordination with international partners. Andrabi concluded that these actions aim to promote stability in the Middle East and support peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue.
Addressing unrelated speculation, the spokesperson also reaffirmed Pakistan's strong relations with the United Arab Emirates, dismissing any negative assumptions and stating that financial matters are separate from political disputes.
