Iran shared 'views and considerations' with Pakistan on ending war, Araghchi says
Asked about Tehran's reservations about US positions in the talks, an Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad told Reuters: "Principally, Iranian side will not accept maximalist demands."
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has presented Tehran's "views and considerations" on ending the ongoing conflict during meetings with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad, as diplomatic efforts to sustain a ceasefire continue.
In a statement following his meeting with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, Araghchi said discussions focused on the latest developments surrounding the Iran-US ceasefire and prospects for ending the war, reports BBC.
According to the statement, Munir reiterated that Pakistan is ready to continue its mediation efforts between the two sides.
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The Iranian foreign minister also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where he outlined Tehran's "principled position" on the ceasefire and the need for a "complete end" to the conflict.
Sharif expressed confidence that negotiations would continue.
Following the meeting, the Pakistani PM wrote on X, "Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations."
After holding talks with Shehbaz Sharif and other top officials, Araghchi and his delegation flew out of Islamabad with a military jet escort, government sources said.
Details of the talks were scant, reports Reuters.
Asked about Tehran's reservations about US positions in the talks, an Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad told Reuters: "Principally, Iranian side will not accept maximalist demands."
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier told reporters that Iran had a chance to make a "good deal".
"Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely," he said. "All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways."
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday. But an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson posted on X that Iranian officials did not plan to meet US representatives and that Tehran's concerns would be conveyed to mediator Pakistan.
The White House said US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Pakistan for talks.
On the ground, tensions persist as Israeli military and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire, each accusing the other of violating a recently extended ceasefire.
