Pakistan invited to US Iran nuclear talks

Istanbul: (Web Desk) – Pakistan is among several Muslim and Arab countries invited to participate in proposed nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, expected to take place in Istanbul later this week, according to multiple diplomatic sources cited by NBC News and Axios.

The talks, which could begin as early as Friday, would involve US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The discussions are aimed at reviving negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme amid rising regional tensions and US warnings of possible military action if diplomacy fails.

Sources said foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Pakistan and Oman have been invited, while Turkey is leading the diplomatic effort with support from Qatar and Egypt. Details of the meeting are still being finalised and could change, diplomats cautioned.

Iran Orders Nuclear Talks with United States

Axios reported that the talks would focus on a potential nuclear deal, with Iran signalling willingness to negotiate if the outcome ensures the country remains free of nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief. Iranian officials told NBC News they are optimistic a deal could be reached under those conditions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered the opening of talks with Washington, according to Iran’s Fars news agency. In an interview with CNN, Araghchi said Iran fully agrees with President Trump’s stated goal of preventing nuclear weapons, adding that sanctions relief would be expected in return.

The planned negotiations come as Trump increases pressure on Tehran, warning that “bad things would happen” if no agreement is reached. The US has also dispatched an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East following deadly anti-government protests in Iran.

Iran has maintained that it prefers diplomacy while warning that any US military action would trigger a wider regional conflict. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cautioned that an attack on Iran would result in a “regional war.”

Meanwhile, Turkey has stepped up mediation efforts, with Araghchi holding talks with regional counterparts in recent days. Jordan has assured Iran it will not allow its territory to be used for any military action against Tehran.

The diplomatic push unfolds against the backdrop of Iran’s internal unrest, which erupted late last year over economic hardship. Human rights groups estimate thousands were killed and tens of thousands detained during the crackdown, prompting fresh sanctions from the European Union and Britain.

If confirmed, the Istanbul meeting would mark a pivotal moment in US-Iran relations and a renewed attempt by regional powers, including Pakistan, to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.