Pakistan to join Iran-US talks on de-escalating regional tensions, FO confirms

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan will participate in upcoming Iran-US talks in Istanbul, aimed at easing tensions between Tehran and Washington, the Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will represent at the talks. The discussions, scheduled to reach their main session on Friday, will also include regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

A regional official told Reuters that the priority of the talks is to avoid any conflict and de-escalate rising tensions. While the format of the meetings remains unclear, officials emphasised the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation. The talks come amid heightened regional concerns, including the recent deployment of a US aircraft carrier group to the Middle East following anti-government protests in Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Tuesday that he had authorised his Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, to engage in nuclear negotiations with the United States, provided the discussions occur in an environment “free from threats and unreasonable expectations.” He added that the talks would proceed “within the framework of our national interests.”

In an interview with CNN, Araghchi expressed cautious optimism, saying a nuclear deal with the US is achievable if Washington adheres to its stated aim of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. “President Trump said no nuclear weapons, and we fully agree. That could be a very good deal,” he said, adding that Tehran expects sanctions relief in return.

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his hope that Washington will reach an agreement with Iran, while warning that “bad things would happen” if no deal is achieved. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that any US military action could trigger a regional war.

Turkiye has spearheaded the diplomatic initiative, with Foreign Minister Araghchi meeting counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan in recent days. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan have all assured Tehran that their airspace or territories will not be used for any military action against Iran, highlighting the focus on diplomacy and regional stability.