Iran denies U.S. talks in Islamabad visit
Tehran says trip focuses on regional talks, not U.S. meeting
Iran’s foreign ministry said no meeting with the United States is planned in Islamabad during Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit, countering media reports suggesting talks with US officials. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei announced the delegation’s arrival and said Araghchi will meet Pakistani leaders to convey Iran’s views amid Pakistan’s mediation efforts to end what Tehran calls American aggression and restore regional peace. Tasnim News Agency also rejected CNN claims that US envoys including Jared Kushner would negotiate with Araghchi, calling such reports part of a pattern of fabricated narratives by US media and officials.
Araghchi’s trip will continue to Muscat and Moscow and, officials say, focuses on bilateral coordination and consultations on regional developments rather than direct US talks. Iran previously engaged in a round of Islamabad negotiations that stalled over what Tehran describes as US maximalist demands; Iran says it will not rejoin talks unless Washington lifts a blockade on Iranian vessels and ports. Tehran has also stated it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed to traffic while the blockade remains in place.
