Ebrahim Azizi said Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting Pakistan strictly for bilateral discussions, stressing that the trip has no connection to nuclear negotiations.
At the same time, the White House confirmed that Donald Trump has dispatched envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to engage with Iranian officials, as Islamabad attempts to revive ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran.
No direct talks with US
Soon after arriving in Pakistan, Iran made clear that no direct engagement with American officials would take place. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei said on X that no meeting is planned between Iran and the United States, adding that Pakistani authorities would instead relay messages between the two sides.
Trump rules out nuclear option
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he has no intention of using nuclear weapons in the conflict with Iran. “Why would I use a nuclear weapon? We’ve totally, in a very conventional way, decimated them without it,” he said, adding that such weapons should never be used.
When asked about the timeline for a long-term peace deal, Trump declined to commit, saying, “Don’t rush me.”
New US sanctions on Iran-linked oil network
The Trump administration has imposed fresh sanctions targeting a China-based oil refinery along with around 40 shipping firms and tankers accused of facilitating Iranian oil exports. The move is part of Washington’s broader strategy to curb Tehran’s primary revenue source.
Vance ‘deeply involved’ but not travelling
White House press secretary Karolien Leavitt said Witkoff and Kushner were sent “to hear the Iranians out,” noting there has been some recent progress, though she did not elaborate.
She added that Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Pakistan but remains closely engaged in the diplomatic effort.
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