'Deeply grateful to Pakistan' for mediation efforts, 'never refused to go to Islamabad': Iranian FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said that he was "deeply grateful to Pakistan" for its mediation efforts amid the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, adding that they "never refused to go to Islamabad". His statement came amid reports that mediation efforts between the United States and Iran had narrowly missed a breakthrough on two occasions. The proposed Islamabad meeting was seen as a key opportunity for de-escalation amid rising regional tensions. According to sources, despite extensive preparations, the engagements were postponed at the last minute, with both sides seeking additional time for internal consultations. In a post on X today, Araghchi clarified that Iran has “never refused” to engage in talks hosted by Pakistan, dismissing what he described as “fabrications” circulating in sections of the Western media. He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach aimed at reducing tensions in the region. Iran's position is being misrepresented by U.S. media. We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us. پاکستان زنده باد pic.twitter.com/AUjBQxOFyA — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 4, 2026 Reacting to the development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that he appreciated the clarification by his "Dear Brother Araghchi." FM Dar said the Iranian foreign minister’s statement had effectively countered “false propaganda” targeting Pakistan’s role as a neutral facilitator. Dar emphasised that Pakistan’s consistent engagement with regional and international stakeholders reflected its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and stability in the Middle East, adding that such clarifications reinforce Pakistan’s credibility as an “honest broker” amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Truly appreciate your clarification, my Dear Brother @Araghchi. 🇵🇰 🤝 🇮🇷 https://t.co/reptX11LQa — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 4, 2026 Pakistan has been actively positioning itself as a neutral facilitator amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, offering Islamabad as a venue for dialogue.  The initiative reflects Islamabad’s broader effort to de-escalate regional tensions, particularly in the wake of heightened hostilities following US and Israeli strikes against Iranian targets. Backchannel peace efforts continue Backchannel efforts to arrange talks between the United States and Iran are still underway, despite earlier attempts to convene a high-level meeting in Islamabad that could not materialise, sources familiar with the matter said. Pakistan had quietly facilitated preparations for a possible round of direct engagement involving a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and senior Iranian representatives. The proposed meeting, to be held in Islamabad, was seen as a potential opening for de-escalation amid heightened regional tensions. However, despite advanced preparations on more than one occasion in recent days, the planned engagements were postponed at the last minute, with both sides requiring additional time for internal consultations, sources said. "Efforts are ongoing, and there is still a willingness to explore diplomatic options," one source noted, adding that the situation remains fluid given the broader regional dynamics. These peace efforts come as Pakistan ​hosted talks with Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia on Sunday, March 29, as part of its efforts to broker ‌an end to the Iran war. Initial discussions focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, sources familiar with the matter said. Foreign ministers from the three regional powers landed in Islamabad last week for talks as Iran warned the US against launching a ground attack, ​and global oil prices surged amid continued fighting between Iran, the US and Israel. At the time, the countries meeting in Pakistan ​had floated proposals to Washington tied to maritime traffic and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ⁠five sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, as part of wider efforts to stabilise shipping flows. A day ahead of these talks, DPM/FM Dar had spoken with FM Araghchi, urging diplomacy and dialogue as the sole path to peace.