Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a press conference in Tehran on January 18, 2026. PHOTO: AFP
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Tehran’s leadership “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 misrepresented by the US media,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we are concerned about are the terms for a decisive and lasting END to the illegal war forced upon us,” he stressed.
He also shared a video showing Iranians waving Pakistan’s flag in an apparent show of appreciation for Pakistan and its people. The Iranian official ended his post with “Pakistan Zindabad” written in Urdu.
Araghchi’s statement comes a day after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing unnamed mediators, reported that “the current round of efforts by regional countries led by Pakistan to reach a ceasefire” between the US and Iran had reached an “impasse”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar immediately appreciated Araghchi’s “clarification”.
“We really appreciate your clarification, my dear brother,” said Dar 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 readings for clear and accurate information,” he said.
The clarification from Iran also follows media reports noting that Tehran had yet to formally respond to proposals for dialogue despite exchanges in recent days.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process by leveraging its ties with the United States, its working relationship with Iran and its strategic partnership with China.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had initially offered on March 24 that Pakistan was “ready and honored” to host “meaningful and decisive talks” between the US and Iran.
Last week, Islamabad hosted a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers and reiterated its offer.
On March 31, Pakistan and China also issued a five-point initiative to restore peace in 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 pointed to another set of limitations. The official said the terms brokered by Washington were unacceptable.
“The conditions or the 15-point proposal put forward by the US are too difficult to accept,” the official said, describing the situation as “very complex”.
He noted that Iran’s immediate focus was on the war and not negotiations. Moreover, he cited deep distrust of US intentions.
“Recent U.S. deployments to the region are inconsistent with its stated intentions to continue negotiations, and therefore Iran has no confidence in the U.S.,” he said.
Recalling the targeting of two Iranian leaders pursuing a de-escalation initiative, the official said, “There is serious concern that anyone participating in the negotiations could also be targeted.”
Nevertheless, the official praised Pakistan for its efforts, saying that “Pakistani leaders undoubtedly did their best to stop the hostilities”.
