Concerned over “misrepresentation” of Iran’s stance in US media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that Tehran prioritizes “the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war imposed on us.”
“Iran’s position is being misrepresented by the US 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,” he said.
Araghchi expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its “gracious hosting” of the US-Iran dialogue as he received Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran on Wednesday.
Araghchi received Munir, who leads a high-level political-security delegation, in a formal meeting shortly after the delegation’s arrival in Tehran. The group includes representatives from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, security institutions and technical experts.
In a post on X, Araghchi highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s role. “Expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s gracious hosting of dialogue, emphasizing that it reflects our deep and great bilateral relationship. Our commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region remains strong — and shared.”
Armed with a new message from the United States, a high-level Pakistani delegation, led by army chief Asim Munir is holding talks with officials in Iran on the possibility of a new round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington in a bid to ease tensions in the West Asia after almost seven weeks of war.
The fragile two-week ceasefire, which began on April 7, is set to expire on April 22.
The delegation aims to deliver a message from Washington to the Iranian leadership and plan the next round of negotiations.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Tehran would host the Pakistani delegation and noted that indirect exchanges of messages between Iran and the United States are ongoing.
The US military maintains a naval blockade on all Iranian ports, with forces “ready to ensure compliance.”
The blockade, which Iran’s military denounced as a ceasefire violation, has turned away nine ships as of Wednesday. Iran’s joint military commander, Ali Abdollahi, warned that Tehran could respond by blocking trade through the Red Sea, the Gulf, and the Sea of Oman if the US does not lift the blockade.
The sticking points in the talks include Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages.
