No final date for the second round of negotiations between the US and Iran: FO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOF) clarified on Thursday that no dates have been decided for the second round of negotiations between the US and Iran and that “if negotiations take place”, the date and time will be officially announced.

At a weekly press briefing, FO spokesman Tahir Andrabi warned against speculation about the next round of ‘Islamabad Talks’ and urged media to avoid unverified reporting. “We request that speculation about the timing of future negotiations be avoided,” he said.

Andrabi said Pakistan has been recognized for its “constructive diplomatic engagement” in supporting de-escalation and ceasefire efforts between the US and Iran.

“Through sustained interaction with both Washington and Tehran, Islamabad has sought to encourage dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages and help create the conditions and space for meaningful negotiations,” the spokesman said.

He added that Pakistan’s approach reflects “a consistent commitment to regional stability and international peace” and a preference for “principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy.” “Pakistan’s media played an exemplary role and did not rely on speculation-based reporting,” he further observed.

On 11 April, US and Iranian delegations arrived in Pakistan for final talks following a two-week immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon”, announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz, who later invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad.

Both sides were unable to reach an agreement to end their war despite marathon talks that lasted about 21 hours in Islamabad over the weekend. The protracted talks, aimed at ending hostilities that have killed thousands and driven up global oil prices over the past six weeks, ended with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.

The United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28, killing thousands of people in Iran, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and leaving tens of thousands injured, with civilian areas, including residential buildings and religious sites, among those affected.

The conflict also expanded geographically. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries that host US military assets. It also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and with the active engagement of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has maintained open channels of communication with the concerned parties,” Andrabi noted.

CDF Munir is currently in Iran as part of ongoing peace negotiation efforts in the Middle East. Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement that he was part of a delegation that also included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The spokesman said the prime minister also visited key regional countries, while the military leadership engaged directly with counterparts in Tehran as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He added that the prime minister held several phone calls with world leaders, including the leaders of Austria, Qatar, Germany, Italy, Britain, Japan and Canada, who expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts.

“The German chancellor expressed strong support to Pakistan for our role in these peace efforts,” the briefing said, adding that the Italian and British prime ministers appreciated Islamabad’s role in facilitating the dialogue. Japan and Canada also “expressed full support for the peace process and its importance for regional stability.”

The FO also said that the recent Islamabad discussions between US and Iranian delegations were “intensive and extensive”, lasting about 21 hours of negotiation time and over 30 hours in total, including breaks and informal interactions.

“Talks continued for 21 hours,” the spokesman said, adding that senior Pakistani officials “helped mediate several rounds of intense and constructive negotiations.” The spokesman emphasized that Pakistan will continue its role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire,” the FO spokesman said.

The briefing also highlighted Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach, including engagements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, participation in regional forums and coordination with several international partners.

Andrabi said these efforts reflect Pakistan’s aim to promote stability in the Middle East and support peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Addressing speculation about relations with the United Arab Emirates, the spokesman dismissed any negative assumptions, stating: “The United Arab Emirates is our long-standing, brotherly and friendly country. Financial matters are not related to any political dispute.”