ISLAMABAD: Iran has dismissed US media claims that it refused to participate in proposed peace talks in Islamabad, reaffirming support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts as the conflict with the United States continues to intensify.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had not rejected the initiative, pushing back against reports suggesting diplomatic efforts had stalled.

“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad,” he said in a post on X.

The clarification comes after media reports, including the Wall Street Journal, suggested Iran had declined to attend talks, raising questions about the viability of Pakistan’s diplomatic push.

“Iran's position is being misrepresented by US media,” Araghchi said, stressing that Tehran remains open to engagement under certain conditions.

The exchange follows a week of intensified diplomacy led by Islamabad, including quadrilateral talks with regional powers and a joint Pakistan-China five-point initiative calling for a ceasefire, dialogue and protection of critical infrastructure and shipping routes.

The war, now in its second month, began with US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader and has since expanded across the region, hitting energy, military and civilian infrastructure.

On Saturday, fresh strikes targeted petrochemical sites, a cement plant and areas near the Bushehr nuclear facility, while Iran said it downed two US aircraft, an F-15 inside its territory and an A-10 over the Gulf, with rescue operations underway for the crew.

Amid these developments, Abbas Araghchi said on X that Iran remains open to talks, but trust remains a key obstacle.

“What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” he said.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the clarification, responding: “Truly appreciate your clarification, my Dear Brother.”

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Iran rejects US media claims, backs Pakistan talks as war escalates