Islamabad: Pakistan will participate in upcoming talks between Iran and the United States in Istanbul, the Foreign Office confirmed Tuesday. The discussions are aimed at easing tensions between Tehran and Washington, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar representing Islamabad.

The talks, expected to reach their main session on Friday, will also involve Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. A regional official told Reuters the priority is to avoid conflict and reduce rising tensions, while the format of the meetings remains under discussion.

The initiative comes amid heightened regional concerns, including the recent deployment of a US aircraft carrier group to the Middle East following anti‑government protests in Iran.

Iran’s Pezeshkian authorizes nuclear talks with US as Trump signals deal hopes

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had authorised Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to engage in nuclear negotiations with Washington, provided they take place “free from threats and unreasonable expectations.”

In an interview with CNN, Araghchi said a nuclear deal was possible if the US adhered to its stated aim of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He added that Tehran expected sanctions relief in return. US President Donald Trump has reiterated his hope for an agreement, while warning of consequences if no deal is reached. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has cautioned that any US military action could trigger a regional war.

Turkiye has spearheaded the diplomatic effort, with Araghchi meeting counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan in recent days. Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan have assured Tehran that their airspace or territories will not be used for military action against Iran, underscoring the focus on diplomacy and stability.