Iran Seeks Clarity, Not Concessions, in Indirect Talks with U.S

Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan takes place at a critical juncture, as indirect talks between Iran and the United States continue under Islamabad’s mediation, drawing close scrutiny from regional and international observers. Assessing Pakistan’s diplomatic capacity, regional considerations, and the prospects for future negotiations is key to understanding the trajectory of these developments.

In this context, Iranian news agency ANA conducted an interview with Shakeri, Iran’s former ambassador to Islamabad, who outlined the objectives and implications of the visit.

According to the former diplomat, Araghchi aimed to clearly reiterate Iran’s red lines and dispel what he described as “American misconceptions.” He added that Tehran expects Pakistan to convey Iran’s positions to Washington accurately and without distortion.

Shakeri stressed that Iran will not alter its stance, noting that the success of the mediation process depends largely on Pakistan’s ability to effectively communicate Iran’s message and eliminate misunderstandings. He warned that any misinterpretation on the opposing side could indicate either a failure in message delivery or hesitation on Islamabad’s part, urging Pakistan to overcome such challenges.

Addressing Pakistan’s role as a mediator, Shakeri pointed to the country’s strategic advantages, including its geographic proximity to Iran, its status as a major Islamic nation, and its ties with regional states. These factors, he said, position Pakistan as a potentially suitable intermediary.

However, he also acknowledged limitations. Pakistan’s economic dependence on the United States and Persian Gulf Arab states raises questions about its independence and neutrality. In this regard, he noted that criticisms—particularly from Germany—regarding Islamabad’s mediation capacity are not without merit.

Shakeri further highlighted signs of Pakistan’s inclination toward the United States, citing its participation in initiatives such as the Gaza Peace Council. Such developments, he said, have fueled doubts within Iranian analytical circles about Pakistan’s impartiality.

On whether Pakistan could also help ease tensions between Iran and Arab Gulf states, given its strategic ties with Saudi Arabia, Shakeri said this would depend on Islamabad’s performance in its current mediation role. For now, he emphasized, the priority is to assess whether Pakistan can faithfully transmit Iran’s official positions to the United States.

Regarding the Islamabad–Riyadh defense pact, Shakeri noted that during a recent conflict, Iran conducted retaliatory strikes against U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia under the principle of self-defense. He argued that Pakistan did not interpret these actions as an attack on Saudi territory, as evidenced by its lack of response under the bilateral agreement.

While acknowledging that Islamabad may face undisclosed political constraints, he observed that no significant concern has been publicly expressed within Pakistan’s media, intellectual circles, or political and military leadership—an approach he described as noteworthy.

On the potential role of China, Shakeri recalled Beijing’s successful mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia in recent years, which led to the restoration of diplomatic ties. He suggested that China could again play a constructive role, depending on how the situation evolves.

Despite this, he emphasized that Iran has not sought third-party mediation, and that such initiatives have primarily been proposed by the opposing side. Nevertheless, he added that Tehran would welcome goodwill efforts from a major power like China if aimed at de-escalating tensions.

Looking ahead, Shakeri pointed to strong domestic cohesion in Iran—from leadership unity to public support—as a sign of the country’s growing defensive capacity. In contrast, he noted visible divisions and weak coordination within the United States and among its allies, with dissatisfaction expressed from Europe to Gulf countries regarding Washington’s current approach.

He concluded that Iran is moving steadily to assert its power and defend its national interests, while support for U.S. positions is declining both domestically and internationally. At the same time, he said, sympathy for Iran is increasing across the region, particularly among the peoples of Pakistan, India, and Turkey.