Iran has firmly denied reports of any planned meeting with the United States during its ongoing diplomatic engagements, as its foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei arrived in Islamabad alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
In a statement shared on social media, Baghaei said he is accompanying Araghchi on an official visit to Pakistan, where the Iranian delegation is scheduled to hold key meetings with the country’s top leadership.
He said discussions during the visit would focus on Pakistan’s mediation efforts as well as the broader regional situation, particularly issues related to peace and stability.
The spokesperson added that talks would also cover what he described as “aggressive measures imposed by the United States” and the need for their cessation to help restore regional peace.
Baghaei categorically rejected speculation regarding any Iran-US meeting, stating that no such engagement at any level has been planned during the visit. He said the Iranian delegation would, however, brief Pakistani authorities on its position and observations.
The clarification comes in contrast to earlier remarks by a White House spokesperson, who told US media that Iran had initiated contact and sought a face-to-face meeting. The spokesperson had also confirmed participation of a US delegation in prospective peace talks, saying officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Pakistan on Saturday morning for discussions.
Diplomatic observers say the differing narratives highlight ongoing complexities in Iran-US relations, even as regional actors continue efforts to facilitate dialogue.