Iran Says US Messages Being Exchanged via Pakistan Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

Tehran, May 2026 : Iran has confirmed that indirect communication with the United States is continuing through a Pakistani mediator, with Tehran currently reviewing the latest American positions, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in an interview with state-run IRIB television that messages between Tehran and Washington have been exchanged on multiple occasions as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Baghaei stated that Iran’s broader diplomatic focus includes efforts to end conflicts on several fronts, including Lebanon, while also putting forward clear demands such as the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to what Tehran describes as US “maritime piracy” and hostile actions targeting Iranian shipping.

He added that Iran has entered the diplomatic process with “goodwill and seriousness,” but continues to view Washington with deep mistrust due to what he called its “very bad track record” over the past 18 months.

The spokesperson further noted that Iran, in coordination with Oman, is working to establish a mechanism aimed at ensuring “lasting security” in the Strait of Hormuz. He said Tehran is also prepared to develop protocols for safe maritime traffic in the strategic waterway in cooperation with other coastal states.

Citing a source close to Iran’s negotiation team, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the United States has sent a new draft proposal to Tehran after Iran submitted a 14-point proposal three days earlier. The Pakistani mediator is currently in Tehran working to narrow differences between the two sides, although no agreement has yet been reached.

In parallel, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on social media platform X that Iran has consistently honoured its commitments and has sought to prevent escalation into war.

“All paths remain open from our side. Forcing Iran to surrender through coercion is nothing but an illusion,” he wrote, reiterating Tehran’s firm stance amid ongoing tensions.

The statement comes against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire reached on April 8 between Iran, the United States, and Israel after 40 days of fighting that began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory in late February. Despite the truce, subsequent talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 between Iranian and US delegations failed to produce any breakthrough.

Following the escalation, Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, restricting passage for vessels linked to the United States and Israel. In response to the breakdown of negotiations, the United States reportedly imposed a naval blockade affecting shipping routes to and from Iranian ports.

Diplomatic engagement continues, but both sides remain far apart on key issues, with mediation efforts ongoing to bridge the gap between the competing proposals.