Iran Rebukes Pakistan’s Mediation Bid as Next U.S.–Iran Talks Remain Unconfirmed

Overview

• An Iranian lawmaker said discussing Tehran’s nuclear issue in Pakistan was a strategic mistake, and Iran has not confirmed a new round of talks proposed by Islamabad.
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the go-between of relaying excessive U.S. demands, and Iran International reported Washington sought removal and long-term blocking of Iran’s 60% enriched material, which Tehran rejected.
• The first Islamabad session ran about 21 hours and ended without agreement, with core disputes over the nuclear program left unresolved.
• Pakistan says it is a neutral host coordinating with China and Gulf partners, yet critics like H. R. McMaster and journalist Jeremy Scahill question its impartiality and warn of a “double game.”
• Analysts point to Pakistan’s reliance on Gulf energy and its long border with Iran as pressures that shape its bid, and energy strains at home have even led to cut work days and school closures.