Tehran has dismissed reports that senior Iranian leaders have travelled to Pakistan for talks with the United States, calling the claims false amid ongoing regional tensions.
The denial comes even as Islamabad prepares for possible negotiations and ramps up security, highlighting the gap between diplomatic signals on the ground and Tehran’s stated position that talks cannot begin without a ceasefire in Lebanon.
According to Press TV, citing Tasnim News Agency, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Bager Ghalibaf are in Tehran and continuing with official work. A source quoted by Tasnim said reports of any Iranian delegation reaching Islamabad were “completely false”.
The reports had claimed that Iranian officials were heading to Pakistan to engage with Washington. However, Iranian media maintained that no such move has been made.
Tehran links talks to Lebanon ceasefire
Iran has made it clear that dialogue with the US will not move forward unless violence in Lebanon stops.
Citing officials, Tasnim said negotiations would remain suspended until Israeli attacks end and the US honours its commitment to a ceasefire.
Fars News Agency also rejected the claims, saying Tehran has no plan to join any peace talks with the US until a ceasefire is in place in Lebanon.
Pakistan prepares, but uncertainty remains
Despite Iran’s denial, Pakistan signalled readiness for talks. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said visa requirements for delegates and journalists have been waived.
Security in Islamabad has been tightened, with around 10,000 personnel deployed across the city, according to Dawn. Authorities also declared a two-day public holiday to limit movement, with checkpoints set up across key areas.
Residents supported the move. Bilal Habib said, “If the talks are held, it is a positive thing that a big threat of war will be removed.” Another resident, Khwaja Yaseen, said he hoped Pakistan could play a role in bringing peace.
Even with these preparations, there is still no clear timeline for when the talks could take place.
War of words between Pakistan and Israel
The situation has been further complicated by sharp exchanges between Pakistan and Israel.
Israel’s envoy to the US, Yechiel Leiter, criticised Pakistan’s Defence Minister and said Israel’s existence is not up for negotiation.
Israel also reacted strongly to remarks by Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who had described Israel as “evil” and accused it of carrying out “genocide” in Lebanon.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the comments, saying such statements amounted to calls for Israel’s destruction.
The controversy has added strain to an already fragile situation, especially after confusion over the scope of a proposed ceasefire. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier suggested Lebanon was part of a peace arrangement, a claim rejected by both the US and Israel.
With tensions climbing and both sides digging in, any talks don’t look likely anytime soon.
