ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received an invitation to participate in Iran-United States talks aimed at easing rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, the Foreign Office said Tuesday.
The negotiations are scheduled for later this week in Istanbul, reflecting efforts to restart dialogue. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi confirmed the invitation, adding that Islamabad views engagement as essential for stability.
Regional diplomacy gathers pace
According to diplomatic sources, the talks form part of backchannel diplomacy involving several regional stakeholders seeking to prevent further escalation. In addition, Pakistan and Turkiye helped facilitate contacts that paved the way for the meeting, the sources said. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to represent Pakistan at the de-escalation discussions, they added.
Meanwhile, a Reuters report said Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates also received invitations at the foreign ministers’ level. However, the meeting format remains unclear, although officials expect a main session on Friday.
Signals from Tehran and Washington
Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tuesday he had ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States, responding to messages from regional governments. He said Iran would pursue negotiations only in a non-threatening environment and within national interests.
Meanwhile, Washington deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East after protests in Iran. President Trump said he hoped for a deal but warned of consequences if talks failed. Iran insists diplomacy remains, limits discussions to the nuclear file, and rejects talks on missiles. Iran’s foreign minister said a deal was achievable, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of regional war if attacked.
Pakistan joins regional push as Iran-US talks resume in Istanbul, aiming to reduce tensions and avert conflict
