No definitive date for second round of US-Iran talks: FO

The Foreign Office (FO) clarified on Thursday that no dates have been decided for the second round of talks between the US and Iran and that “if the talks take place”, the date and time will be officially announced.

In a weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi warned against speculation about the next round of ‘Islamabad Talks’, urging the media to avoid unverified reports. “We ask that speculation about the timing of future talks be avoided,” he said.

Andrabi said Pakistan has been recognized for its “constructive diplomatic engagement” in supporting tension-reduction and ceasefire efforts between the United States and Iran.

“Through sustained interaction with both Washington and Tehran, Islamabad has sought to foster dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages and help create conditions and spaces for meaningful negotiations,” the spokesperson said.

He added that Pakistan’s approach reflects “a consistent commitment to regional stability and international peace” and a preference for “principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy.” “Pakistan media played an exemplary role and did not rely on reports based on speculation,” he further noted.

On April 11, delegations from the United States and Iran arrived in Pakistan for conclusive talks following an immediate two-week ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon,” announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz, who later invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad.

Both sides could not reach an agreement to end their war despite marathon negotiations that lasted around 21 hours in Islamabad over the weekend. The protracted talks, aimed at stopping hostilities that have killed thousands of people and sent global oil prices soaring over the past six weeks, ended with both sides blaming each other for the stalemate.

The United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28, killing thousands of people in Iran, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and leaving tens of thousands injured, including civilian areas, including residential buildings and religious sites.

The conflict also expanded geographically. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks against Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and with the active participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has maintained open channels of communication with stakeholders,” Andrabi said.

CDF Munir is currently in Iran as part of the ongoing peace negotiation efforts in the Middle East. Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement that it was part of a delegation that also included Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The spokesperson said the prime minister also made visits to key regional countries, while military leaders engaged directly with their counterparts in Tehran as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He added that the prime minister had multiple telephone conversations with world leaders, including the leaders of Austria, Qatar, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada, who expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts.

“The German chancellor expressed strong support to Pakistan for our role in these peace efforts,” the report said, adding that the Italian and British prime ministers appreciated Islamabad’s role in facilitating dialogue. Japan and Canada also “expressed full support for the peace process and its importance for regional stability.”

The FO also said that the recent discussions in Islamabad between the US and Iranian delegations were “intensive and extensive”, lasting around 21 hours of negotiation and more than 30 hours in total, including breaks and informal interactions.

“Talks continued for 21 hours,” the spokesperson said, adding that senior Pakistani officials “helped mediate several rounds of intense and constructive negotiations.” The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan will continue its role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.

“It is imperative that the parties continue to maintain their commitment to the ceasefire,” the FO spokesperson said.

The briefing also highlighted Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach, including engagements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, participation in regional forums and coordination with multiple international partners.

Andrabi said these efforts reflect Pakistan’s goal of promoting stability in the Middle East and supporting peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Addressing speculation about relations with the UAE, the spokesperson rejected any negative assumptions, stating: “The UAE is our brother country and long-time friend. The financial matters are not related to any political dispute.”