Islamabad, April 16, 2026: The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday said that no date has yet been finalised for the second round of talks between the United States and Iran, while reaffirming that discussions on key issues, including nuclear matters, are ongoing in a “confidential and trust-based environment.”
Speaking during the weekly media briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the negotiation process remained sensitive and required discretion from all sides.
“Nuclear issues are among the subjects being discussed by the countries,” he said, adding that Pakistan would not comment on the positions of the parties involved, as the trust placed in Islamabad necessitated confidentiality.
He stressed that the timing, composition, and structure of delegations for the next round of talks had not yet been decided. “Who will come, how large the delegation will be, and who will participate is for the parties to determine,” he noted, adding that Pakistan would announce details once formally agreed.
The spokesperson underscored that the ongoing dialogue process is being conducted with a high degree of secrecy and mutual confidence. “It is essential for us to keep the negotiations confidential,” he said.
FO spokesperson Andrabi reiterated that Pakistan’s role as a facilitator in the diplomatic process between Washington and Tehran continues beyond the recently concluded Islamabad round of talks.
He highlighted that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership remains actively engaged in regional diplomacy, with sustained outreach to relevant stakeholders. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently undertaking a three-country visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, while Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir is leading a delegation to Tehran.
“The initiatives reflect Pakistan’s longstanding position that sustainable peace is best achieved through dialogue and cooperation,” he said.
Andrabi also emphasised that peace in Lebanon remains a key component of broader US–Iran negotiations. He noted that Pakistan has observed “some improvements” on the Israeli–Lebanon front in recent days, expressing cautious optimism.
He further stated that Pakistan’s facilitation efforts have included sustained communication with both Washington and Tehran, aimed at maintaining dialogue channels and enabling conditions conducive to meaningful negotiations.
The FO spokesperson said that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have been supported by close coordination with key international partners, including Saudi Arabia, China, and other friendly states, which he described as “trusted partners” in promoting regional stability.
He also confirmed that discussions with these countries continue at multiple levels in support of Pakistan’s mediation role.
Referring to the recent Islamabad talks held from April 11–12, Andrabi described the negotiations as “intensive and extensive,” noting that the core discussions lasted approximately 21 hours, with the overall process extending to nearly 30 hours including breaks and logistics.
He said the engagement demonstrated Pakistan’s active facilitation role under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside coordination with the Foreign Office and military leadership.
Separately, the spokesperson dismissed speculation linking Pakistan’s financial arrangements with the United Arab Emirates to regional diplomatic developments, reaffirming that bilateral economic matters are independent of the ongoing geopolitical situation.
He described the UAE as a “trusted partner and brotherly country,” and said financial discussions regarding the repayment of a previously extended facility were initiated well before the current crisis.
With the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran set to expire on April 22, diplomatic efforts remain ongoing but fragile. Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to supporting dialogue, urging all parties to avoid speculation and allow negotiations to proceed in confidence.
Officials indicated that Islamabad will continue to facilitate communication between stakeholders as efforts intensify to secure a durable peace framework in the region.
