Pakistan has been invited to join high-stakes discussions between Iran and the United States (US) aimed at easing rising tensions, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Tuesday.Responding to a question, FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed that Islamabad had received an official invitation for the upcoming talks, underscoring the significance of Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue.
As per the diplomatic sources, Pakistan’s participation is considered critical, as the country has quietly been helping create a space for constructive engagement between the two nations.
The Pakistani government is expected to finalize its decision regarding the delegation for these talks within the next one to two days. These discussions have been made possible through “back-channel” efforts, with Pakistan’s role considered highly significant.
Sources say Pakistan is currently reviewing various options for its representation and it is anticipated that either the Foreign Minister or a high-level delegation will present Pakistan’s position during the talks.
Experts believe Pakistan’s inclusion in these negotiations highlights the international community’s recognition of Pakistan’s diplomatic importance in establishing regional peace.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to represent Pakistan at the meeting.
The talks are likely to take place in Turkiye on Friday, an Arab official told an international media outlet on condition of anonymity, highlighting the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
According to US media outlet Axios, citing multiple unnamed sources and a US official, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Istanbul to discuss a potential agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.
Separate international media reports also confirmed that Pakistan has been invited to take part in decisive talks in Istanbul on Friday aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.
Pakistan, along with other key Islamic countries, is at the negotiation table to help reduce regional tensions.
As per the sources, representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Egypt will also attend the negotiations.
Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Tuesday that he has given instructions to initiate nuclear talks with the United States, following a warning from US President Donald Trump about potential “bad things” if no agreement is reached.
“In light of requests from friendly governments in the region to respond to the proposal by the President of the United States for negotiations….. I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists — one free from threats and unreasonable expectations — to pursue fair and equitable negotiations,” Pezeshkian wrote in a post on X.
I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists—one free from threats and unreasonable expectations—to pursue fair and equitable negotiations, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency.
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) February 3, 2026
The Iranian president further emphasized that these discussions would proceed “within the framework of our national interests,” ensuring that Iran’s priorities remain central throughout the process.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump emphasized the critical importance of these talks, warning that failure to reach an agreement this time could have severe consequences saying that “probably bad things will happen” without a deal.
In a move to increase pressure on Tehran, he has also dispatched a major naval fleet to the region.
