Iran Denies Refusing Visit to Islamabad

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has expressed his appreciation for Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi following a clarification regarding Iran’s position on regional peace efforts and media reports concerning diplomatic engagements with Pakistan.

The exchange occurred on April 4, 2026, after Foreign Minister Araghchi used the social media platform X to address and reject specific media reports. In his communication, Araghchi expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its ongoing efforts to ensure peace within the region and explicitly denied reports suggesting a refusal to engage with Pakistani officials.

The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that Iran had never refused to go to Islamabad, while also voicing concerns regarding the terms set by the United States for achieving a conclusive and lasting end to the ongoing war.

Diplomatic Response from Pakistan

Senator Ishaq Dar responded to the Iranian Foreign Minister’s comments on X, where he thanked Araghchi for the clarification. Dar described the Iranian minister as his Dear Brother and stated that he truly appreciate[s] your clarification.

The Deputy Prime Minister’s response followed reports that Iran had praised Pakistan’s mediation role. These developments coincide with reports that backchannel talks between Iran and the United States are moving toward a potential breakthrough.

Regional Context and Mediation

The clarification from Tehran comes amid a period of heightened tension in the Middle East. Iranian officials have suggested that certain US media outlets have misrepresented Iran’s position regarding peace talks and its willingness to engage in diplomatic processes in Islamabad.

Other Pakistani officials have also highlighted the country’s involvement in these diplomatic efforts. Khawaja Asif has noted that Pakistan is playing an important role in the talks between Iran and the United States.

The broader regional instability has also prompted domestic political calls within Pakistan for unity. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged political unity in the face of an economic crisis and rising inflation, which he linked to the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Zardari characterized the conflict as an illegal war and warned that the ongoing hostilities could eventually engulf the wider world, noting that Pakistani citizens are paying a price for the instability.

Summary of Diplomatic Positions

• Iran’s Position: Foreign Minister Araghchi rejected media reports of refusing visits to Islamabad and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s role in regional peace.
• Pakistan’s Response: DPM/FM Ishaq Dar formally appreciated the clarification and reaffirmed the fraternal bond between the two nations.
• Mediation Status: Reports indicate that Pakistan’s mediation is facilitating backchannel communications between Iran and the US.
• Concerns: Iran has expressed specific concerns regarding the terms proposed by the US for a lasting end to the war.