Iran Refuses US Peace Talks in Pakistan Until Israel Halts Lebanon Bombing, Rejects Reports of Officials Travelling to Islamabad
Iran has refused to participate in proposed peace talks with the United States in Pakistan, stating that negotiations will not resume until Israel halts its military strikes in Lebanon.
The development was reported on Friday by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, which cited senior officials emphasizing that Tehran will not engage in dialogue while Israeli attacks continue.
According to the report, Iran has made it clear that the continuation of Israeli bombardment in Lebanon remains the primary obstacle preventing diplomatic engagement.
Iranian officials have indicated that talks with the United States will remain suspended unless a ceasefire is implemented and Washington fulfills its commitments regarding de-escalation in the region.
Meanwhile, ahead of his departure for Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance issued a warning to Tehran, cautioning that Iran should not attempt to test or provoke the United States amid the ongoing tensions.
His remarks reflect growing diplomatic strain as efforts to initiate dialogue face uncertainty due to the continuing conflict in Lebanon.
Iranian state-linked media outlets also strongly denied international reports suggesting that senior Iranian leaders had travelled to Pakistan for negotiations.
Some global media organizations had claimed that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had left Tehran to participate in discussions with US representatives in Islamabad.
However, Tasnim News Agency, quoted by Press TV, clarified that neither Araghchi nor Ghalibaf had departed the country.
Both leaders are currently in Tehran and remain engaged in handling domestic responsibilities as well as monitoring regional developments. Iranian authorities described the reports of their travel as inaccurate and misleading.
Citing a senior official, Tasnim reiterated that diplomatic engagement would remain on hold until Israeli military operations in Lebanon cease and a credible ceasefire framework is implemented.
The agency also dismissed claims that an Iranian delegation had already arrived in Pakistan for negotiations with American officials, terming such reports completely false.
The latest developments highlight the continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where the ongoing conflict in Lebanon is affecting broader diplomatic initiatives involving Iran and the United States.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by international mediators attempting to facilitate dialogue amid escalating regional hostilities.
