Tehran, April 25 (ANI): The head of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, Ebrahim Azizi, stated that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting Pakistan solely to discuss bilateral relations and not nuclear negotiations.
In a statement shared on X, Azizi emphasized that nuclear talks remain a “fundamental red line” for Iran and are not part of the minister’s agenda during the visit.
“I mentioned that Mr. Araghchi has traveled to Pakistan to discuss bilateral relations. He has no mission whatsoever in this trip regarding nuclear negotiations, which are considered one of Iran’s fundamental red lines,” Azizi said.
The clarification appears to contrast with remarks made earlier by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who indicated that diplomatic engagement could be underway. She noted that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to travel to Islamabad to engage with Iranian representatives.
Leavitt stated that the US administration is open to diplomacy and is willing to hear Iran’s position in person. She added that senior US officials, including the president, vice president, and secretary of state, are awaiting updates, with the vice president on standby if further engagement becomes necessary.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei reiterated that no meeting between Iranian and US officials has been scheduled. He confirmed that Araghchi’s visit involves consultations with Pakistani officials regarding mediation efforts aimed at ending what Iran describes as an imposed conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Baghaei stated that Iran’s position would be conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries, emphasizing that the visit is part of broader diplomatic coordination rather than direct negotiations with Washington.
A recent assessment by the Institute for the Study of War suggested divisions within Iran’s leadership. The report indicated that Ahmad Vahidi and his close circle have repeatedly blocked attempts by more pragmatic officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, to adopt a more flexible negotiating stance.
Despite these reports, Iran’s leadership has publicly projected unity. Officials recently shared an image featuring President Masoud Pezeshkian, Ghalibaf, and Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, asserting national cohesion amid US claims of internal divisions.
The developments come as both Iran and the United States send delegations to Islamabad for discussions involving Pakistani mediators, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region. (ANI)
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