Iran Open to US Talks Under Pakistan-Brokered Deal, Envoy Says

Iran remains open to engaging in talks with the United States under an interim deal brokered by Pakistan in June, according to Reza Amiri Moghadam, Tehran’s ambassador to Islamabad. Moghadam accused the U.S. of undermining diplomatic efforts and prolonging the standoff concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Moghadam stated that Iran recently communicated through Pakistan its readiness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, provided Washington lifts its naval blockade. He asserted that U.S. President Donald Trump rejected this proposal by maintaining the blockade on Iranian ports.

The agreement, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar in June, aimed to reestablish shipping through the strait, lift the U.S. naval blockade, and initiate broader negotiations addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, Moghadam indicated that Iranian officials conveyed their willingness to reopen the strait during visits by Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to Tehran. He reiterated that this reopening was contingent upon Washington ending its blockade.

Additionally, Moghadam mentioned that Tehran would review the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which includes Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Iran will decide on its support for the agreement after studying it, with Moghadam describing it as a potential instrument for unity.

The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was signed following recent attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are backed by Iran, on Saudi Arabia. The signatory countries stated that the agreement would enhance collective deterrence and expand defense cooperation.

Turkey has forwarded the agreement to its parliament for ratification. Turkish and Pakistani officials have characterized the pact as defensive and not targeted at any specific country, including Iran. Turkey has ruled out deploying troops to Yemen for offensive operations against the Houthis, while Pakistan has stated its role would be strictly defensive.