Pakistan has been invited to participate in upcoming talks between Iran and the United States aimed at reducing tensions in the region, the Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday.
“Pakistan has received the invitation for the upcoming talks between Iran and the United States,” FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, adding that the meetings are scheduled to be held in Istanbul.
A decision on who will represent Pakistan is expected in the next day or two, he said.
Sources said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is reportedly expected to attend.
Pakistan’s participation is seen as crucial, given Islamabad’s ongoing quiet efforts to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington.
According to British news agency Reuters, “the priority of talks between Iran and the United States this week in Istanbul is to avoid any conflict and de-escalate tensions between the two sides, adding a group of regional powers were also invited.”
“The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said some of the countries invited to the talks at the foreign ministers’ level included Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates,” Reuters reported.
According to US media outlet Axios, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Istanbul to discuss a possible deal on the nuclear issue. The primary objective of the talks is to avoid conflict and de-escalate tensions, a regional official told Reuters, adding that other countries invited to participate at the foreign ministers’ level include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the UAE.
While the exact format of the meetings remains unclear, sources said the main session is scheduled for Friday, emphasizing the importance of initiating dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Tuesday that he has instructed FM Araghchi to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations”, provided the discussions take place in an environment free from threats or unreasonable expectations. “The talks will be held within the framework of our national interests,” he added on X (formerly Twitter).
US President Donald Trump has expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution but warned of consequences if no agreement is reached. In an interview with CNN, Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s willingness to comply with Trump’s condition of no nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief, while also cautioning that failure could lead to war that may escalate beyond Iran.
Turkiye has played a key role in facilitating dialogue, with Araghchi visiting Istanbul last week and engaging with regional counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan have assured Iran that their territories would not be used for military action against Tehran.
The invitation to Pakistan underscores its growing diplomatic role in the region, as stakeholders seek to prevent further escalation between the US and Iran.