Foreign Minister Araghchi says Tehran seeks ‘conclusive and lasting END’ to war, not just a ceasefire; Pakistan’s Dar welcomes clarification as global pressure mounts on Trump.

By The South Asia Times

TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD - Iran has forcefully rejected Western media reports claiming Tehran refused to participate in Pakistan-mediated peace talks with the United States, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declaring that Iran is “deeply grateful” to Islamabad and has “never refused to go to Islamabad.”

In a statement posted on social media X, Araghchi accused US media of misrepresenting Iran’s position, clarifying that what Tehran seeks are “fair terms for a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war imposed on us.”

He concluded his message with the words: “Pakistan Zindabad” — a rare and significant expression of solidarity from a senior Iranian official toward its neighbor.

- Pakistan’s Dar Responds

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar swiftly welcomed the clarification.

“Truly appreciate your clarification, my dear brother @Araghchi,” Dar wrote in response, reaffirming the close ties between the two nations.

The exchange came after multiple Western outlets -- including The Wall Street Journal and CNN — had reported that Iran had withdrawn from planned talks in Islamabad, citing Tehran’s demand for guarantees and its refusal to negotiate under ongoing military pressure. Iran’s foreign ministry had earlier dismissed those reports as “psychological warfare.”

- ‘Islamabad Is Iran’s Most Trustworthy Friend’

Political analysts say the clarification underscores the depth of Pakistan-Iran ties and positions Islamabad as uniquely capable of bridging the divide between Washington and Tehran.

“Pakistan and Iran have very close ties, and Islamabad is the most trustable friend of Tehran — which the Iranian foreign minister also clarified,” said Babar Khan, a Bangkok-based political analyst. “Currently, Pakistan is the only country that could bring both the US and Iran to the table in Islamabad, and both sides have agreed in principle.”

However, Khan noted that Iran wants guarantees — and not just any guarantees. “Tehran wants China, Pakistan, and Turkiye to be the guarantors because they don’t trust the US and Israel,” he said. “The Iranian foreign minister said ‘end of war,’ not just a ceasefire. The US earlier broke its promises — the JCPOA withdrawal is still fresh in Iranian memory. This time, Iran wants guarantors that the US will not break its promise again.”

- ‘A Slap on the Face of Western and Indian Media’

Pakistani political analyst Abdul Saboor described Araghchi’s statement as a major blow to narratives aimed at undermining Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.

“Iran’s foreign minister’s statement is a big slap on the face of Western and Indian media who were attempting to create hurdles in Pakistan’s efforts,” Saboor said. “But now they have failed.”

Saboor highlighted Pakistan’s unique role in the crisis. “Pakistan is playing a tremendous role, and I think this is the only country which has the potential to break through,” he said.

“Peace talks will happen soon in Islamabad, and this war will end. Trump will not bear world pressure any longer — his war has put the whole world into an economic and energy crisis. There is no other way. Even French President Macron advised him the same.”

The diplomatic breakthrough comes as the United States faces mounting losses in its military campaign against Iran. CNN reported Saturday that the US Air Force has lost at least seven manned aircraft since the war began on February 28, including F-15s, an A-10, an E-3 Sentry, and an F-35 that was forced to make an emergency landing after being hit by Iranian fire.

At least 1,340 Iranian civilians have been killed, including more than 170 children, according to Iranian officials.

Global energy prices have soared as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed or severely restricted, creating what economists have dubbed the “Trump energy crisis.”

European allies have increasingly distanced themselves from Washington. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly warned Trump that bombing will “never deliver” peace, citing the failures in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

A 41-nation virtual meeting chaired by the United Kingdom ended with a consensus that no action would be taken on the Strait of Hormuz until a ceasefire is achieved.

Araghchi’s emphasis on a “conclusive and lasting END” - written in capital letters for emphasis — signals Tehran’s insistence on a permanent resolution rather than a temporary halt to hostilities.

Iranian officials have repeatedly cited the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 under Trump’s first administration as proof that Washington cannot be trusted to uphold agreements.

This time, Tehran wants structural guarantees - potentially in the form of multiple guarantor nations - before agreeing to any diplomatic framework.

- Peace Talks in Islamabad ‘Soon’

Despite the recent confusion fueled by Western media reports, analysts on both sides expect talks to move forward.

“Peace talks will happen soon in Islamabad,” Saboor predicted. “This war will end because Trump has no other option. The world is against him, his allies are abandoning him, and the American people are feeling the pain at the pump. He will flee from this war just as he fled from others - but not before Pakistan helps broker an honorable exit.”

With Iran reaffirming its willingness to come to Islamabad and Pakistan’s diplomatic machinery fully mobilized, the stage appears set for a high-stakes negotiation that could determine the future of the region  - and of Trump’s presidency.

- With reporting from Islamabad, Tehran, and Bangkok.