Islamabad: Even as the US and Iran are looking to hold their second round of peace talks in Pakistan, Tehran has claimed that Washington is looking to save its face and is trying to get an honourable exit from the war it has entangled itself in. The remarks have come at a time when delegations of both countries are looking to meet in Islamabad.
According to a report published in ‘The Times of Israel’, a spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry said, “the US is seeking an honourable exit from war in which it has become entangled.” Notably, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are all set to visit Pakistan, where the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is currently present.
No possibility of direct talks: Iranian media
Meanwhile, even as White House maintained that both sides will engage in discussions, Iranian state media has claimed that there is no possibility of direct talks. Turkey has, in the meantime, said that it might be part of operations to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said that the American Navy is clearing mines from the waterway, a vital sea route for oil shipments. The tensions US and Iran increased after Iran did not allow any ship to s through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, however, announced a blockade on the sea route.
On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan’s top civil and military leaders. During his meeting, the minister discussed the regional situation and the ongoing peace dialogue with the US.
Araghchi meets Field Marshal Asim Munir in Pakistan
Araghchi met Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir on Saturday. While the same was informed by Iranian Embassy in Pakistan said on X, no details of the meeting were shared. The meeting was also attended by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, among others.