Iran Skips Islamabad Talks, Casts Doubt on Pakistan-Brokered Ceasefire

Tehran: Iran has dismissed reports claiming that  its negotiating team has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan for talks with the United States and called them "completely false", according to media reports. It has categorically stated that no negotiating team has arrived yet because attacks are ongoing in Lebanon. 

What did Iran say?

Iran has increased pressure on the US and Israel, stating that negotiations are possible only if a ceasefire is observed. This news has heightened tensions about how peace will be achieved.

Where are talks happening?

Peace talks between the US and Iran are scheduled to take place in Pakistan on Friday. 

According to report by the Wall Street Journal, neither Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi nor Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has left the country for talks. Amid regional developments, both the leaders are in the country to continue their duties.

Did Iran reject claims?

Iran has now completely rejected this report. Iran has called these reports completely false and clearly stated that no team has gone to Pakistan. 

According to Iran's state news agency Tasnim, an informed source said that both Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are present in Tehran and are busy with their work. He added that media reports that the Iranian team has arrived in Islamabad are completely false.

"The news from some media outlets that an Iranian negotiating team has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, to negotiate with the Americans is completely false," the source told Tasnim.

Is Iran not ready for talks?

Iran not only rejected the delegation's claim of arrival but also made it clear that no negotiations were possible at this time. 

Iran stated that no talks would take place until the US implemented a ceasefire in Lebanon and Israel ceased its attacks. 

Iran's Fars News Agency reiterated this stance, stating that Tehran had no intention of engaging in talks with the US until a complete ceasefire was implemented in Lebanon.