Iran-US talks underway behind closed doors, Pakistani envoy says

Iran and the United States are holding talks in a closed format and have made progress, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Moscow Faisal Niaz Tirmizi told TASS.

Asked whether there had been progress in contacts between Tehran and Washington, the diplomat answered in the affirmative, noting that consultations “are taking place right now.”

The ambassador declined to say whether the talks were being held in Islamabad. “This is not public information, but we are working on it,” Tirmizi said.

Over the past week, Pakistani officials have indicated active behind-the-scenes efforts to revive stalled US-Iran talks under the earlier Islamabad MoU framework, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi holding meetings in Tehran with Iranian leaders including the president and foreign minister. 

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that signals suggested the sides were close to “some sort of an arrangement,” even as shipping attacks continued in the region. 

A senior Iranian source, however, told Reuters there had been “absolutely no progress” on reviving the interim deal or setting an implementation timeline, with Tehran accusing Washington of violating commitments shortly after the June agreement. 

Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed it was using direct and indirect channels to bring both parties back to the table while countering potential spoilers.

By Jeyhun Aghazada