Pakistan relaying messages in US-Iran indirect talks, foreign minister says

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that indirect communication between the United States and Iran was underway through messages being relayed by Pakistan, with Türkiye and Egypt also assisting diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

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

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

“There has been unnecessary speculation in the media regarding peace talks to end ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being 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, being deliberated upon by Iran. Brotherly countries of Turkiye and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative.”

FM Dar said Pakistan remained committed to diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region. “Pakistan remains fully committed to promoting peace and continues to make every effort to ensure stability in the region and beyond. Dialogue and Diplomacy is the only way forward!” he added.

Read More: FM Dar, Iran envoy discuss cooperation in key sectors

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

“Messages being conveyed through our friendly countries and us responding by stating our positions or issuing the necessary warnings is 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 that contradicted Tehran’s position.

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

Meanwhile, FM Dar also continued his diplomatic engagements with other counterparts amid efforts underway to calm tensions. 

The Foreign Office said he spoke with Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi a day ago.

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

He also spoke with Turkish FM Hakan Fidan on the latest regional developments.

“DPM/FM underscored 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.”