ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday Tehran had “never refused” to attend talks in Islamabad, rejecting US media reports, as Pakistan said efforts to mediate talks between the United States and Iran remained on track.
The remarks follow a report by The Wall Street Journal that said mediation efforts led by Pakistan to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran had reached a dead end, citing Iran’s unwillingness to engage in talks in Islamabad and its rejection of Washington’s demands.
“Iran's position is being misrepresented by U.S. media,” Araghchi said in a post on X.
“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad,” he added. “What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us.”
The statement comes after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Feb. 28 triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran, escalating the conflict and rattling global energy markets, with fears of supply disruptions pushing oil prices sharply higher and raising concerns about broader economic fallout.
The situation prompted Pakistan to act as a go-between to help de-escalate tensions, conveying messages between Tehran and Washington as hostilities between them intensified.
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the US and Iran were engaged in indirect talks using Islamabad as an intermediary, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional peace and stability.
Media reports also said Pakistan conveyed a 15-point US ceasefire proposal to Tehran, which Iranian authorities found unacceptable, while Islamabad later hosted quadrilateral talks with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt to explore ways to defuse the crisis.
Dar also traveled to Beijing, where Pakistan and China backed a five-point plan calling for an immediate ceasefire, dialogue and protection of critical infrastructure and shipping routes.
Despite Pakistan's efforts to end the war, there has so far been no breakthrough.
US President Donald Trump said in a recent address the war could end in another few weeks, without providing a clear timeline, even as US and Israeli military operations have intensified.
Iran has repeatedly said it is not seeking a temporary ceasefire but a definitive end to the conflict, insisting on guarantees that it will not face renewed attacks after any pause in fighting.
Dar responded to Araghchi's social media post, expressing gratitude.
“Truly appreciate your clarification,” he wrote on X.
Later, AP quoted Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi as dismissing speculation that the mediation effort had stalled, saying there was no truth to such reports and that the peace initiative remained “on track.”
