ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that no formal response has yet been received from Iran regarding participation in proposed peace talks with the United States.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated that Pakistan, acting as a mediator, remains in continuous contact with Iranian authorities and is committed to promoting diplomacy and dialogue. The ceasefire between the two countries, he noted, will end at 4:50 AM (Pakistan time) on April 22. He emphasized that Iran’s decision on joining the talks before the ceasefire expires will be crucial, adding that Pakistan has made sincere efforts to bring Iranian leadership to the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has yet to decide on attending talks, questioning Washington’s seriousness and accusing it of “contradictory behaviour” and maritime “piracy” following actions against Iranian vessels. The US military earlier confirmed boarding a sanctioned tanker, while additional incidents in regional waters have further heightened tensions.
The developments come as Pakistan continues diplomatic engagement. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to extend the ceasefire and prioritise dialogue during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, who appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace.
Separately, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in securing a strong deal with Iran but signalled reluctance to extend the ceasefire, warning that military options remain on the table if talks fail.
The situation unfolds amid expectations of a possible second round of talks in Islamabad following initial negotiations earlier this month, which ended without agreement but maintained a fragile truce. Pakistan has been actively facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington, though Iran has yet to confirm participation in the upcoming round.
