Pakistan is relaying messages in indirect talks between the US and Iran, says foreign minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that indirect communication between the US and Iran was underway through messages relayed by Pakistan, with Turkey and Egypt also assisting diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.

In a post on X, the foreign minister said media speculation about formal peace talks was misplaced, clarifying that the current engagement involved indirect exchanges rather than direct talks.

Read: Pakistan emphasizes coordinated economic, energy response amid regional tensions

“There has been unnecessary speculation in the media about peace talks to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, indirect talks are taking place between the US and Iran through messages relayed by Pakistan,” he wrote.

He added that Washington had shared a set of proposals with Tehran. “In this context, the United States has shared 15 points that Iran is discussing. Brotherly countries Turkey and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative.”

FM Dar said Pakistan remains committed to diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. “Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to do everything to ensure stability in the region and beyond. Dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward!” he added.

Read more: FM Dar, Iran’s envoy discusses cooperation in key sectors

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there had been no direct talks with the US, although messages had been exchanged through intermediaries.

“Messages that are conveyed through our friendly countries and we respond by stating our positions or issuing the necessary warnings are not called negotiation or dialogue,” Araqchi said in an interview with state television on Wednesday. “It is simply an exchange of messages through our friends.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Iran was eager to reach an agreement to end nearly four weeks of fighting, a claim contradicting Tehran’s position.

Iranian officials have said they are reviewing a US proposal but have no intention of opening formal talks to end the conflict.

Meanwhile, FM Dar also continued his diplomatic engagements with other colleagues amid efforts to defuse tensions.

The State Department said he spoke with Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi a day ago.

“The two counterparts discussed the prevailing regional situation and emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support all efforts in the interest of regional peace and stability. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact on the development.”

He also spoke to Turkish FM Hakan Fidan about the latest regional developments.

“The DPM/FM emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts for de-escalation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and regional stability. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.”