Amid fallout of the United States-Iran talks, Tehran has raised questions over Pakistan's role as an intermediary for negotiations. An Iranian official has raised doubts over Islamabad's neutrality, highlighting its pro-US stance during intense diplomatic discussions. This comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir recently.
Pakistan Not Neutral: Iran
Member of Iran’s parliament representing Dashtestan and spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Ebrahim Rezaei questioned Pakistan’s mediation efforts adding that the country is not suitable to hold diplomatic talks.
“Pakistan is a good friend and neighbour of ours, but it is not a suitable intermediary for negotiations and lacks the necessary credibility for mediation," Ebrahim Rezaei remarked.
As per Rezaei, Islamabad aligns itself with views of Washington thus was unfit to act as an impartial negotiator.
Bias Towards US
Rezaei further questioned why Pakistan failed to question the US over commitments that were not fulfilled. He added that Pakistan puts forward the interests of President Trump without contradicting the US stance.
“For example, they are unwilling to tell the world that America first accepted Pakistan’s proposal but then went back on its word," Rezaei said.
“A mediator must be impartial, not always leaning to one side," he added, stressing that a mediator must not choose sides.
US-Iran Talks Stalled
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that the American delegation will not travel for ceasefire talks and that Tehran can reach out to Washington if it wants to talk. He laid down a hard line on Iran talks and said future discussions would be held by phone.
Regarding Iran, Trump reaffirmed the long-standing stance that the country cannot have a nuclear weapon. "They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Otherwise, there's no reason to meet," the US President said.
Iran's Araghchi Heads To Moscow After Brief Pitstop In Pakistan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Oman and Pakistan on Sunday. Araghchi travelled from Oman to Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase on the outskirts of Islamabad for a short transit stop before departing for Russia's Moscow, reported CNN, citing Iranian sources.