Iran has denied taking part in the talks in Islamabad
Iran has denied reports of its participation in talks with the United States in Islamabad, calling them baseless. The statement comes as Pakistan prepares for possible meetings, creating uncertainty regarding the prospects for dialogue, reports Organiser.
According to Tasnim News Agency, citing an informed source, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have not left the country and remain in Tehran, continuing to carry out their duties.
The source stated that reports of the Iranian delegation’s arrival in Islamabad for talks with US representatives are completely false. It was also noted that under the current circumstances, negotiations remain suspended.
Tehran emphasised that the resumption of dialogue is possible only after the United States fulfils its commitments regarding a ceasefire in Lebanon and the cessation of Israeli military operations in the region. Until these conditions are met, diplomatic contacts with Washington remain suspended.
The denial came following a report in The Wall Street Journal, which claimed that an Iranian delegation had arrived in Islamabad to take part in the talks.
Fars News Agency also dismissed these reports and stated that Iran does not plan to participate in peace talks with the US until a ceasefire is established in Lebanon. The agency confirmed that no Iranian delegation had travelled to Pakistan.
The Iranian side suggested that such reports might be aimed at creating confusion and undermining Tehran’s diplomatic position. At the same time, it was confirmed that Pakistan is attempting to act as a mediator between the parties, though any talks are possible only if a sustainable settlement is reached.
Against this backdrop, Pakistan announced two consecutive days off in Islamabad on Thursday and Friday ahead of the expected talks. The decision was taken by the capital’s administration without specifying the reasons. Such measures are usually implemented for security and organisational reasons during high-level meetings.
The restrictions apply to the Islamabad Capital Territory. The authorities clarified that the work of critical services, including the police, hospitals and public utilities, would continue as normal.
Pakistan is preparing to host talks involving representatives from the US and Iran, focusing on the wider conflict in West Asia. The White House has stated that the US delegation will be led by Vice-President J.D. Vance.
The announcement of the public holidays has fuelled speculation about the scale and sensitivity of the talks, despite uncertainty regarding Iran’s participation.
Earlier, Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, criticised Pakistan’s role in the diplomatic process. He expressed a lack of trust in Islamabad and accused it of supporting terrorism.
Azar also noted that Israel does not support the idea of involving the Pakistani military in peacekeeping missions in the Gaza Strip. He added that Israel relies on the United States as a key partner in the current situation.
Contradictory statements regarding preparations for talks and Iran’s denials have created an atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding a potential dialogue.
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