Pakistan says Iran US technical talks to resume next week

Pakistan has confirmed that technical level negotiations between Iran and the United States are expected to resume next week.

Pakistan has confirmed that technical level negotiations between Iran and the United States are expected to resume next week as diplomatic efforts to reach a broader peace agreement continue. Islamabad, which is helping mediate the talks alongside Qatar, described the ongoing dialogue as a positive step toward reducing tensions in the region.

Speaking at the weekly Foreign Office briefing, spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the continued engagement between Washington and Tehran was encouraging. He noted that both sides had remained committed to the negotiation process after making progress during their first round of talks held earlier this week in Switzerland.

The opening meeting took place at the Burgenstock resort, where Pakistan and Qatar facilitated discussions between the two countries. According to officials, both sides agreed on a 60 day roadmap aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement. They also discussed measures to reduce regional tensions, including a mechanism to end hostilities in Lebanon and a communication channel to help protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding to questions about the strategic waterway, Andrabi said Pakistan supports the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council in addressing regional issues. He stressed that countries in the region should take the lead in resolving their own challenges while respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The spokesperson also highlighted the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, describing it as an important step in strengthening bilateral relations. During the visit, the Iranian president met both Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. The meetings focused on expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation while reaffirming the shared commitment to peace and regional stability.

Andrabi said both countries were eager to improve economic ties, but added that significant progress would depend on the removal of US sanctions on Iran. He explained that trade expansion and economic projects would move forward alongside any easing of sanctions resulting from the ongoing negotiations.

He further stated that one of the main achievements of President Pezeshkian’s visit was the renewed commitment by both governments to maintain close cooperation. He also welcomed the confidence expressed by the Iranian leadership in Pakistan’s diplomatic role and said Islamabad appreciated the trust placed in it.

When asked about reports of a proposed 300 billion dollar financing package for Iran, Andrabi said the matter would likely be discussed during the next round of technical talks in Switzerland. On another question regarding Pakistan’s representation at the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, he said no final decision had yet been made.

The Foreign Office also addressed relations with Afghanistan. Andrabi said Pakistan had fulfilled most of its commitments regarding bilateral engagement, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar personally overseeing the process. However, he added that later developments had created challenges for diplomatic efforts.

Reiterating Pakistan’s position, Andrabi said Afghan territory must not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. He stressed that meaningful diplomatic progress depended on firm assurances from Kabul that such activities would not be allowed. At the same time, he described the Afghan people as close neighbours with deep historical and cultural ties to Pakistan. He also praised China’s constructive role in supporting dialogue between the two countries and said Pakistan would continue working with Beijing to promote peace and regional cooperation.