Media: Iran expected to join new round of US talks in Islamabad

An Iranian delegation is expected to take part in a new round of talks with the United States in Islamabad, according to Turkish news agency Anadolu, citing Pakistani sources.

Pakistani sources said the Iranian delegation will participate in the second round of discussions with U.S. representatives in the Pakistani capital. No official date for the talks has been announced.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said war benefits no side and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.

“War benefits no one, and all reasonable and diplomatic means must be used to reduce tensions,” he said.

However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said at a press briefing that Tehran would not engage in negotiations under current conditions, stating that Iran would not sit at the negotiating table until a reported U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is lifted.

By Sabina Mammadli