Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a press conference in Tehran on January 18, 2026. PHOTO: AFP
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Tehran’s leaders “never refused to go to Islamabad” for possible peace talks that Pakistan has offered to host to end the ongoing US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic.
“Iran’s position is being distorted by the American media,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to visit Islamabad. What matters to us are the conditions for a definitive and lasting END to the illegal war imposed on us,” he stressed.
He also shared a video showing Iranians waving Pakistani flags in an apparent sign of appreciation for Pakistan and its people. The Iranian official ended his message with “Pakistan Zindabad” written in Urdu.
Araghchi’s statement comes a day after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing anonymous mediators, reported that “the current series of efforts by regional countries led by Pakistan to achieve a ceasefire” between the United States and Iran was at an “impasse.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar immediately appreciated Araghchi’s “clarifications”.
“I really appreciate your clarification, my dear brother,” Dar said on X in response to Araghchi’s post.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi called Araghchi’s statement a “timely reminder” that “speculation helps no one.”
“Stick to official statements and verified media for clear and accurate information,” he said.
Iran’s clarification also follows media reports that Tehran had yet to respond officially to dialogue proposals despite behind-the-scenes exchanges in recent days.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process, leveraging its ties with the United States, its working relationship with Iran, and its strategic partnership with China.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initially said on March 24 that Pakistan was “ready and honored” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the United States and Iran.
Last week, Islamabad hosted a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers and reiterated its offer.
On March 31, Pakistan and China also released a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace to the Middle East, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
On Friday, an Iranian official in Tehran also denied reports that Iran had refused to participate in the dialogue in Islamabad.
Rather, he highlighted a different set of constraints. The official said the terms being conveyed by Washington were unacceptable.
“The conditions, or the 15-point proposal, put forward by the United States are too difficult to accept,” the official said, calling the situation “very complex.”
He stressed that Iran’s immediate focus was on war and not negotiations. He further spoke of a deep distrust of American intentions.
“Recent US deployments in the region do not match their stated intentions to continue negotiations, and therefore Iran has no confidence in the United States,” he said.
Recalling the targeting of two Iranian leaders pursuing a de-escalation initiative, the official said: “There are serious concerns that anyone participating in the negotiations could also be targeted.”
Nonetheless, the official praised Pakistan for its efforts, saying “Pakistani leaders were undoubtedly doing their best to end hostilities.”
