Pakistan remains mediator in Iran-US talks, says Tehran as it links any deal to Lebanon ceasefire

Iran has said Pakistan continues to play a mediating role in its negotiations with the United States, while stressing that any agreement with Washington must include a ceasefire in Lebanon as a key component.

Speaking at a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran remains committed to diplomacy but is fully prepared to defend itself if necessary.

“Iran has always prioritised diplomacy,” Baghaei said, adding that the country retains the right to respond to any attacks against it. He said a ceasefire in Lebanon would be an essential and inseparable part of any future understanding with the United States. According to Baghaei, discussions currently underway do not involve Iran’s nuclear programme.

The spokesperson accused Washington of violating the ceasefire through what he described as aggressive military actions, saying Iranian armed forces had targeted locations from which US attacks were launched.

“Those strikes were carried out purely in self-defence,” he said, adding that Iran reserves the right to retaliate against attacks targeting its territory or interests.

Baghaei also called on regional states not to allow their territory, facilities or resources to be used for attacks against other countries, warning that such actions could further destabilise the region.

Commenting on ongoing diplomatic efforts, he said Pakistan continues to serve as a mediator in talks between Tehran and Washington. He described a recent visit by Iran’s negotiating delegation to Qatar as positive, noting that discussions included certain financial aspects of a potential agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

Separately, Baghaei urged Kuwaiti authorities to clarify the status of four Iranian citizens reportedly detained in the Gulf state, calling for information about their situation to be provided as soon as possible.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, alongside continuing diplomatic efforts to reach a broader understanding on regional security issues.