'We didn't participate': Iran denies being part of Pakistan's efforts to end war

Pakistan has emerged as one of the key mediators to bring an end to the ongoing war between the US and Iran.

Updated on: Mar 30, 2026, 17:37:51 IST

Edited by Danita Yadav

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A day after Pakistan claimed it was ready to host talks between the United States and Iran to end the war, Tehran on Monday claimed that it was not part of Pakistan's plan.

An Iranian flag flies at half-mast at the Pakistan-Iran border crossing at Taftan, Balochistan province (AFP)

In a statement on X, the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai stated that there have been no direct talks with Washington. The consulate, citing a spokesperson of the Iranian foreign ministry added that Iran did not participate in Pakistan's forum.

"No direct US talks; only excessive, unreasonable demands via intermediaries. US "diplomacy" flips constantly; our stance is clear. Pakistan's forums are their own; we didn't participate. Regional calls to end war are welcome, but remember who started it!" read the statement issued on X.

On Sunday, Pakistan held a meeting with foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey as part of its bid to facilitate talks between the US and Iran.

Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar also told media that both Washington and Tehran have expressed confidence in Pakistan to host a round of talks between the two fighting nations.

“Pakistan is very happy that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate their talks,” said Dar, adding that “Pakistan will be honored to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in coming days for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.”

Ahead of this forum, the US delivered a 15-point peace plan to Iran through Islamabad, which Tehran has deemed as "excessive."

While the US stands firm on its ceasefire plan, Iran has pushed five of its key demands, which include sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Dar, who is also the deputy prime minister of Pakistan, has claimed that h and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have held several conversations with Iranian leaders. including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danita Yadav
Danita Yadav is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times. Based in New Delhi, Danita serves as a pivotal voice in international reportage in the team. Operating under the mandate of delivering "without the noise", Danita excels at distilling complex geopolitical developments into lucid, objective narratives which prioritise factual accuracy over sensationalism. In HT, Danita has been recognised for her breaking news efforts and time-bound coverage of the Air India crash, which has driven over 2 million users to the website through trusted, factual coverage of the incident. Thriving in high-pressure editorial environments, Danita has also cultivated a reputation for navigating the nuances of global diplomacy and cross-border policy. With over four years of experience in the journalism industry, Danita has spent her years diving deep into the coverage of international relations and global conflicts. She has previously worked with the news teams at Outlook India and Times Network, covering a wide range of beats and topics, from education curricula and student protests to Indian politics and international conflicts such as the Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan wars. Danita earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi. Beyond the newsroom and her love for international relations, you'll find Danita 'geeking' out over books, music and BTS. Her appreciation for global pop culture and storytelling also added to her unique perspective on the "soft power" dynamics that increasingly have shaped international relations in the ever-changing global order.Read More

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