Pakistan says Iranian decision to attend talks with US 'critical,' confirmation ‘still awaited’

Pakistan on Tuesday said that Iran's decision to attend talks with the United States is "critical," while Islamabad is "still awaiting" Iranian confirmation of participation in talks in Islamabad.

"Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad Peace Talks is still awaited," Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a post on the US social media company X.

⁠Pakistan is in "constant touch" with Iranians and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue, he added.

He stressed that Iran's decision to attend the talks before the end of the two-week ceasefire on Wednesday was "critical."

⁠Islamabad "has made sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of talks and these efforts continue," Tarar added.

Separately, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday held a phone call with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

The two leaders discussed the latest regional developments and "emphasized the importance of dialogue and engagement for achieving lasting peace and stability," according to a statement from the Pakistani ministry.

Prince Faisal "reiterated the Kingdom’s support for Pakistan’s continued efforts in this regard."

Pakistan hosted talks between the US and Iran on April 11-12 after brokering a 14-day ceasefire on April 8, which is set to expire on Wednesday evening, Washington time.

Efforts for another round of negotiations are underway, though uncertainty remains.

US President Donald Trump says it is "highly unlikely" that he will extend the ceasefire.