FO rejects ‘fabrications’ on mediation amid Middle East escalation

• Spokesperson Andrabi slams as ‘baseless and imaginary’ claims citing ‘official sources’

• Urges media outlets to exercise due diligence, avoid speculation, and rely solely on officially issued statements

• Tehran denies refusing Islamabad-hosted talks as Araghchi thanks Pakistan for ‘quiet diplomacy’

• Dar calls propaganda against Pakistan ‘dismantled,’ Dar hails clarity amid disinformation

 ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) on Saturday firmly rejected what it described as “baseless and imaginary” insinuations attributed to purported official sources regarding the ongoing regional conflict and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace and dialogue, according to official statement.

In a press statement while responding to media queries, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that several reports circulating in the media, including on social platforms, had falsely cited so-called official government sources in connection with developments in the conflict and Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue.

🔊PR No.9️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Statement by the Spokesperson pic.twitter.com/oDVMDQi3RN

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 3, 2026

“Any attribution to official sources in this regard is incorrect. It is a matter of concern that the briefing held on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been misrepresented, with references to issues that were neither discussed nor alluded to,” the spokesperson asserted.

At a time of heightened regional sensitivity, he emphasised that diplomacy required discretion and responsibility, urging media outlets to exercise due diligence, avoid speculation, and rely solely on officially issued statements and readouts for accurate and timely information.

The FO’s clarification came amid remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who dismissed as “fabrications” reports in sections of Western media suggesting that Iran had declined Pakistan-hosted talks.

Iran appreciates Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach

In a post on X, Araghchi expressed “deep gratitude” to Pakistan for its quiet yet sustained mediation efforts amid the ongoing US-Israel war, firmly rejecting claims that Tehran had ever refused dialogue in Islamabad.

Iran's position is being misrepresented by U.S. media.

We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us.

پاکستان زنده باد pic.twitter.com/AUjBQxOFyA

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 4, 2026

He underscored that Iran remained open to engagement and appreciated Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach aimed at easing rising regional tensions.

Araghchi’s remarks come at a critical juncture, as multiple rounds of discreet backchannel diplomacy between Washington and Tehran have brought both sides close to a potential breakthrough, only to falter at decisive moments due to last-minute hesitations and internal recalibrations.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the clarification, describing Araghchi as a “dear brother” and stating that his remarks had effectively dismantled “false propaganda” targeting Pakistan’s role.

Truly appreciate your clarification, my Dear Brother @Araghchi. 🇵🇰 🤝 🇮🇷 https://t.co/reptX11LQa

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 4, 2026

He reiterated that Pakistan’s engagement reflects a principled commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and reinforces its standing as an “honest broker” in an increasingly polarised geopolitical landscape.

Behind the scenes, however, a complex web of backchannel negotiations has been unfolding. According to sources familiar with the matter, Pakistan has quietly facilitated multiple attempts to convene direct talks between senior US and Iranian officials in Islamabad—efforts that came remarkably close to materialising.