ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been invited to participate in the talks between Iran and the United States in Turkey.
Confirming the invitation to the talks between Iran and the United States in Turkey, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, “Yes, Pakistan has been invited for the talks.”
According to the Foreign Office Spokesperson, Pakistan will participate in the proposed talks in Istanbul, which aim to reduce the growing tension in the region and pave the way for a negotiated settlement of the conflict.
According to a report by the foreign news agency Reuters, Iranian and American officials have said that nuclear talks between Iran and the United States are starting in Turkey on Friday.
US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will represent their countries in the talks and will try to end the ongoing dispute between the two countries over the Iranian nuclear program through diplomacy so that the region is spared a new war.
An official said that the priority of the talks in Istanbul is to avoid any conflict and reduce tensions between the two countries, and a group of regional powers have also been invited to the talks.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to participate in the talks in Istanbul.
The sources said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar can represent Pakistan and Pakistan’s position is clear that there is no military solution to the conflict between the US and Iran and all issues should be resolved through talks and diplomacy.
He further said that Pakistan considers peace and stability in the region as a priority of its foreign policy and in this context is ready to play the role of a bridge between the two countries.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan will participate in the Istanbul talks as a responsible and constructive partner and will try to persuade the parties to reduce tensions, adopt confidence-building measures and move the negotiation process forward.
Pakistan believes that the Iran-US tension could pose a threat not only to the Middle East but also to the peace, global economy and energy security of the entire region.
Sources said that Pakistan has played an important and effective role in the Iran-US conflict in the past as well. Pakistan has made behind-the-scenes and public efforts to resolve misunderstandings and reduce tensions through close diplomatic relations with both countries at different times, which have been appreciated at the global level.
It has further been stated that Pakistan has brotherly relations with Iran while it also has long-term and multilateral relations with the US, due to which Pakistan is considered an acceptable and reliable partner for both sides. Utilizing this diplomatic status, Pakistan will present constructive proposals in the Istanbul talks.
Diplomatic sources said that Pakistan will continue to consult with other regional and international partners in this regard in the coming days so that the Istanbul talks can be meaningful and fruitful.
It should be noted that US President Donald Trump had warned that US warships were moving towards Iran and that if a deal could not be reached, it could be bad.
US ships were deployed near Iran last month during violent anti-government protests in the country.