Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the 19th (local time) expressed distrust over end-of-war talks to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is trying to mediate a second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, President Pezeshkian, in a 45-minute call, thanked Pakistan for its efforts to establish peace, but criticized the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran, saying, "Such actions and the threatening remarks by U.S. officials raise doubts about America's sincerity."
He also said, "It has become clearer than ever that the United States intends to repeat past mistakes and betray diplomacy."
According to the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office, Sharif on the 11th thanked Iran for sending a delegation to Islamabad, where Pakistan mediated talks with the United States on an end-of-war agreement, and said, "With the support of friends and partners, we will continue our sincere efforts to advance peace and security in the region."
Sharif also issued a separate statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "I had a warm and constructive conversation with President Pezeshkian about changes in the regional situation," adding, "I assured the president that Pakistan, with the support of friends and partner countries, will faithfully fulfill its role as an honest mediator for lasting peace and regional stability."
Earlier that day, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also spoke by phone. While Iran's Foreign Ministry did not disclose specific details of the conversation, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said Minister Dar emphasized the need for talks to resolve pending issues as quickly as possible.
The United States and Iran have yet to find common ground regarding end-of-war talks. On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social, "My delegation is going to Islamabad, Pakistan," adding, "They will arrive there tomorrow (the 20th) evening for negotiations."
However, at an event the same day, President Pezeshkian said President Trump is trying to strip Iran of its nuclear rights, adding, "We must confront a bloodthirsty and brutal enemy." He also stressed, "We must manage the atmosphere to give the impression that we are not fanning the flames of war but defending ourselves."