'No meeting planned': Iran rules out direct talks with US despite Kushner’s arrival

Tehran: The Iranian Foreign Ministry clarified on Saturday that no direct negotiations with the United States are scheduled during Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s current diplomatic mission to Pakistan.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Araghchi’s delegation reached Islamabad for consultations with Pakistani leadership aimed at fostering regional stability. Baghaei explicitly noted that the itinerary does not include a meeting between Iranian and American officials.

In a statement published on X, Baghaei detailed the nature of the visit. "We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region," the spokesperson wrote.

He further clarified the diplomatic channel, stating, "No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan."

Regional Diplomatic Tour

Araghchi arrived in the Pakistani capital on Friday, a move that ARY News reported had initially heightened expectations for a potential resumption of dialogue between Tehran and Washington. During his stay, the foreign minister is slated to conduct high-level talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir.

Following the conclusion of his meetings in Islamabad, Araghchi is scheduled to continue his regional tour with subsequent visits to Muscat and Moscow.

U.S. Diplomatic Manoeuvres

The Iranian visit coincides with renewed diplomatic activity from the White House. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced the deployment of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Pakistan.

The American delegation is tasked with engaging in discussions pertaining to Tehran, a development that Washington indicated serves as a fresh signal of potential diplomatic engagement. While the U.S. presence in Islamabad suggests a concerted push for dialogue, the Iranian position remains focused on using Pakistani intermediaries to relay communications rather than engaging in direct sit-down talks.

With inputs from ANI