ISLAMABAD / DUBAI: Iran has requested a change of venue and scope for planned talks with the United States this week, following President Masoud Pezeshkian’s confirmation that dialogue with Washington would begin.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday that Islamabad had been invited to participate in the discussions, aimed at reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi were initially scheduled to meet in Istanbul on Friday to revive diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear programme and avert fears of renewed regional conflict. However, Reuters reported Tuesday night that Iranian officials are seeking to shift the talks to Oman and limit discussions exclusively to nuclear issues.
The announcement came amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf. A US warplane shot down a drone reportedly approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, while Iranian gunboats briefly challenged a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, according to British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech.
Despite these incidents, the White House reaffirmed that the talks remain on schedule. “I just spoke with Special Envoy Witkoff, and these talks as of right now are still scheduled,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
Diplomacy intensifies
President Pezeshkian said he had ordered the start of negotiations with the US, provided they occur in a threat-free environment. “I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided a suitable environment exists — one free from threats and unreasonable expectations — to pursue fair and equitable negotiations,” he said in a post on X.
Qatar’s foreign ministry described diplomacy with Iran as “continuing very intensively” in coordination with neighbouring states. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash stressed the need for Iran to reach an agreement and “rebuild their relationship with the United States.”
Iran has reiterated that discussions should focus solely on its nuclear programme, rejecting any negotiations on missile capabilities or regional defence activities. A diplomatic source in Tehran told Reuters that officials were “neither optimistic nor pessimistic” but would not discuss defensive matters.
Pakistan’s involvement
Pakistan has been invited to attend the talks, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expected to participate. FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi described Islamabad’s role as “crucial to defusing tensions,” noting that Pakistan has been quietly facilitating the dialogue.
Other countries reportedly invited at the foreign ministers’ level include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the UAE. A regional official said the primary meeting is scheduled for Friday, although the format remains unclear.
Reuters cited a diplomat saying Iran wants the talks restricted to the nuclear issue, while the US seeks to include discussions on ballistic missiles and Iran’s regional proxy activities.
US representatives expected to participate include Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi.