Iran remains open to talks with US under Pakistan-brokered deal, envoy says

Iran remains open to negotiations with the United States under an interim agreement brokered by Pakistan in June, Tehran's ambassador to Islamabad asserts. Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam accused Washington of obstructing diplomacy and prolonging the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has indicated through Pakistan its readiness to reopen the strait if the U.S. ends its naval blockade, although he claims President Donald Trump rejected this proposal, insisting the blockade would persist.

Pakistan and Qatar facilitated the June accord, which aimed to restore shipping through the strait, lift the U.S. naval blockade, and initiate negotiations on a comprehensive deal concerning Iran's nuclear program. Moghadam, addressing a seminar in Islamabad, disclosed that Iranian officials expressed their willingness to reopen the strait during meetings with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, contingent upon Washington lifting the blockade.

Tehran is also evaluating the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which involves Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, before determining whether to endorse it, viewing it as a potential catalyst for unity. "We will study the Mecca Agreement, and if it is good, we will support it," Moghadam stated. The pact was inked following intensified assaults by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saudi Arabia.

All three signatories — Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey — pledged it would bolster collective deterrence and enhance defense collaboration. Turkey has forwarded the agreement to its parliament for approval, with Turkish and Pakistani officials asserting it is defensive and does not target Iran or any other nation. Turkey has ruled out deploying troops to Yemen to confront the Houthis, while Pakistan asserts its involvement would be strictly defensive.