ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan has been formally invited to take part in upcoming Iran-United States talks aimed at reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington, the Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan had received the invitation for the talks, adding that Islamabad’s role was being viewed as important due to its behind-the-scenes efforts to help facilitate dialogue between the two sides.
Diplomatic sources said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to attend the meeting. The talks are likely to be held in Turkiye on Friday, according to an Arab official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
US media outlet Axios, citing unnamed sources and a US official, reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Istanbul to discuss a possible agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme.
A regional official told Reuters that the main objective of the talks is to prevent conflict and de-escalate tensions. The official said several regional countries had been invited, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, to participate at the foreign ministers’ level.
While the format of the talks remains unclear, the official said the primary meeting would take place on Friday and stressed the importance of initiating dialogue to avoid further escalation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that he had directed Foreign Minister Araghchi to pursue fair and equitable negotiations, provided the process takes place in an environment free from threats and unreasonable demands. He said the talks would be conducted within the framework of Iran’s national interests.
US President Donald Trump has said he remains hopeful of reaching an understanding with Iran, but warned that serious consequences could follow if no deal is achieved.
In an interview with CNN, Araghchi said Iran agrees with Trump’s stance on opposing nuclear weapons, calling it a potential basis for a good deal, but stressed that Tehran expects sanctions to be lifted in return. He also warned that Iran was prepared for war if talks fail, adding that any conflict could spread beyond Iran.
Turkiye has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, with Araghchi visiting Istanbul last week and holding talks with regional counterparts, including officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have assured Iran that their territory and airspace will not be used for any military action against Tehran, while Jordan has also said it would not allow its territory to be used as a launching pad for such operations.
