ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Monday confirmed that Islamabad has been invited to take part in upcoming talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to be held in Istanbul later this week.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Pakistan had received a formal invitation to join the discussions, which diplomatic sources say are being facilitated through quiet back-channel efforts involving Pakistan and Türkiye.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the talks aim to explore ways to revive dialogue between Washington and Tehran after months of diplomatic deadlock. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to represent Islamabad, subject to final confirmation.
Regional sources said Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Pakistan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have also been invited to Istanbul as part of a broader consultative format.
Iranian officials told international media that nuclear-related negotiations are expected to resume on Friday, following a suspension that began in May 2023 after five earlier rounds failed to produce a breakthrough.
Iranian diplomatic sources said Tehran remains cautious about the outcome of the Istanbul meeting, describing the process as neither optimistic nor pessimistic, adding that the talks would indicate whether Washington is serious about meaningful engagement.
They also said Iran’s defensive preparedness remains at its highest level and stressed that Tehran’s military capabilities are not subject to negotiation.
Pakistan has played a quiet facilitation role alongside Türkiye in recent weeks, as regional actors seek to reduce tensions and encourage renewed diplomacy between the two sides.
