ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has categorically rejected media reports claiming Iran refused to hold US negotiations in Islamabad, insisting its mediation efforts for a ceasefire remain active despite reported obstacles.
The development comes as the US-Iran conflict enters its sixth week, with significant human and economic tolls already mounting across the region.
Wall Street Journal and Express Tribune reported that Tehran conveyed to intermediaries it would not send officials to Islamabad for talks with a US delegation, describing Washington’s demands as unacceptable.
Pakistan’s spokesperson Tahir Andrabi dismissed such attributions to official sources as “baseless and a figment of imagination,” urging media to exercise due diligence in coverage.
The Foreign Office statement followed a Friday briefing where Andrabi highlighted ongoing diplomatic tracks without confirming any collapse.
Pakistan had positioned itself as a key facilitator after hosting foreign ministers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt in Islamabad on March 29-30.
The four-nation meeting produced a joint push for de-escalation, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announcing Islamabad’s readiness to host direct or indirect US-Iran talks.
Dar stated both sides expressed confidence in Pakistan’s role, citing its unique relations across divides.
A senior US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was reportedly prepared to visit Islamabad twice in recent days but postponed at the last minute, according to government sources.
Pakistan relayed a 15-point US proposal to Tehran via backchannels, outlining a potential 30-day ceasefire as a first step.
Key elements of the plan include Iran dismantling nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, halting uranium enrichment, and ending support to regional proxies.
In exchange, Washington offered full sanctions relief and assistance for civilian nuclear projects at Bushehr.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei publicly denied any participation in Pakistan-hosted forums, stating “Pakistan’s forums are their own; we didn’t participate.”
Tehran countered with its own demands, seeking war reparations and recognition of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite these public positions, Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed optimism, noting “strong commonalities” in the Beijing five-point peace initiative and the Islamabad quadrilateral summary.
Andrabi affirmed Islamabad would continue nudging both capitals toward meaningful negotiations, acknowledging challenges but refusing to accept narratives of failure.
The war, which began on February 28, has claimed 1,500 lives in Iran alone with 18,551 injuries recorded by Iranian health authorities as of late March.
United Nations estimates place economic losses across the Arab region at $63 billion, driven by disrupted shipping, energy market volatility and infrastructure damage.
Pakistan’s mediation bid gained traction after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged directly with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and relayed messages to Washington.
Vice President Vance has taken a leading role in US efforts, communicating with Pakistani intermediaries as recently as Tuesday.
Regional powers including China have voiced support for Pakistan’s initiative, viewing Islamabad as a credible bridge given its ties to both Washington and Tehran.
The Foreign Office reiterated that any progress toward cessation of hostilities serves broader goals of regional stability and sustainable peace.
Critics note trust deficits persist, with Iran viewing certain US demands as excessive while Washington presses for verifiable nuclear curbs.
Yet Pakistan maintains quiet diplomacy continues, avoiding public escalation of differences reported in international outlets.
Analysts highlight the stakes: uninterrupted Strait of Hormuz traffic remains vital for global oil flows, with any prolonged stalemate risking further economic fallout.
As efforts evolve, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has called for patience, emphasising facilitation over confrontation in line with its traditional neutral stance.
The coming days may clarify whether alternative venues like Doha or Istanbul emerge, but Islamabad insists its offer stands firm.
This diplomatic episode underscores Pakistan’s growing role in West Asian affairs at a time when major powers seek off-ramps from direct confrontation.