Iran shared ‘views and considerations’ with Pakistan on ending war, Araqchi says
Islamabad: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has presented Tehran’s “views and considerations” on ending the ongoing conflict during meetings with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad, as diplomatic efforts to sustain a ceasefire continue.
In a statement following his meeting with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, Araqchi said discussions focused on the latest developments surrounding the Iran-US ceasefire and prospects for ending the war, reports BBC.
According to the statement, Munir reiterated that Pakistan is ready to continue its mediation efforts between the two sides.
The Iranian foreign minister also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where he outlined Tehran’s “principled position” on the ceasefire and the need for a “complete end” to the conflict.
Sharif expressed confidence that negotiations would continue.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting to review regional developments, reiterating Islamabad’s role in facilitating talks aimed at ensuring peace and stability.
The Pakistan foreign ministry also cautioned against relying on unofficial sources for updates on the mediation process, urging media outlets to follow only official statements.
Asked about Tehran’s reservations about US positions in the talks, an Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad told Reuters: “Principally, Iranian side will not accept maximalist demands.”
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier told reporters that Iran had a chance to make a “good deal”.
“Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely,” he said. “All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways.”
Araqchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday. But an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson posted on X that Iranian officials did not plan to meet US representatives and that Tehran’s concerns would be conveyed to mediator Pakistan.
The White House said US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Pakistan for talks.
On the ground, tensions persist as Israeli military and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire, each accusing the other of violating a recently extended ceasefire.
