Tehran/Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has pushed back against reports suggesting it would join another round of negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, asserting that no such plan has been finalised and accusing Washington of spreading misleading information.
Tehran, citing its official media channels, said the claims of upcoming talks were unfounded and part of a deliberate attempt to mount diplomatic pressure. Iranian officials criticised what they described as shifting positions by the US, along with demands they consider impractical. They also highlighted the ongoing naval blockade, calling it a clear breach of earlier ceasefire understandings.
The Iranian side maintained that the portrayal of progress in negotiations was being used as a tactic to shift responsibility amid rising tensions. Officials reiterated that any meaningful dialogue would require consistency and respect for previously agreed terms.
At the same time, regional diplomacy remains active. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the evolving situation. The exchange also included references to Sharif’s recent engagements with leaders from key regional countries, reflecting ongoing efforts to ease tensions.
Despite Iran’s firm denial, the United States continues to project confidence about backchannel discussions. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that diplomatic engagement with Iran is still underway, suggesting that progress is being made even if public statements appear contradictory.
He added that normalisation of maritime activity, especially in sensitive areas like the Strait of Hormuz, could follow once an agreement is reached, though some delay is expected.
The divergence in public messaging from both sides underscores the complexity of the situation, with uncertainty continuing over whether negotiations will resume and how quickly tensions in the region might ease.
