No date finalised for second round of US-Iran talks: FO

The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday clarified that no dates have been decided for the second round of talks between the US and Iran and that, “if talks take place,” the date and time will be announced officially.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi cautioned against speculation on the next round of ‘Islamabad Talks’, urging media outlets to avoid unverified reporting. “We request that speculation regarding the timing of future talks be avoided,” he stated.

Andrabi said Pakistan has been recognised for its “constructive diplomatic engagement” in supporting de-escalation and ceasefire efforts between the United States and Iran.

“Throughout sustained interaction with both Washington and Tehran, Islamabad has sought to encourage dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages and help create conditions and space for meaningful negotiations,” the spokesperson said.

He added that Pakistan’s approach reflects “a consistent commitment to regional stability and international peace” and a preference for “principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy.” “Pakistan’s media played an exemplary role and did not rely on speculation-based reporting,” he further noted.

On April 11, US and Iranian delegations arrived in Pakistan for conclusive talks following a two-week immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon”, announced by PM Shehbaz, who later invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad.

Both sides were unable to reach an agreement to end their war despite marathon negotiations lasting around 21 hours in Islamabad over the weekend. The prolonged talks, aimed at halting hostilities that have killed thousands and driven global oil prices higher over the past six weeks, ended with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.

The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, killing thousands of people in Iran, including then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and leaving tens of thousands injured, with civilian areas, including residential buildings and religious sites, among those hit.

The conflict also expanded geographically. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and with active engagement of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has maintained open channels of communication with the concerned parties,” Andrabi noted.

CDF Munir is currently in Iran as part of the ongoing Mideast peace negotiation efforts. The Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement that he was part of a delegation that also included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The spokesperson said the prime minister also undertook visits to key regional countries, while military leadership engaged directly with counterparts in Tehran as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He added that the prime minister held multiple telephone conversations with world leaders, including the leaders of Austria, Qatar, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada, who expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts.

“The German chancellor expressed strong endorsement of Pakistan for our role in these peace efforts,” the briefing said, adding that the Italian and UK prime ministers appreciated Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue. Japan and Canada also “expressed full support for the peace process and its importance for regional stability.”

The FO also said the recent Islamabad discussions between US and Iranian delegations were “intensive and extensive,” lasting around 21 hours of negotiation time and over 30 hours overall, including breaks and informal interactions.

“The talks continued for 21 hours,” the spokesperson said, adding that senior Pakistani officials “helped mediate several rounds of intense and constructive negotiations.” The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan would continue its role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire,” the FO spokesperson said.

The briefing also highlighted Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach, including engagements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, participation in regional forums, and coordination with multiple international partners.

Andrabi said these efforts reflect Pakistan’s aim to promote stability in the Middle East and support peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Addressing speculation about relations with the United Arab Emirates, the spokesperson rejected any negative assumptions, stating, “The UAE is our long-standing, brotherly and friendly country. Financial matters are unrelated to any political dispute.”