Tehran open to negotiations in Islamabad if sanctions are removed

Iran has said it would be prepared to return to negotiations in Islamabad if United States sanctions are lifted, according to its representative at the United Nations.

In comments made to Iranian media, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, stated that Tehran would agree to participate in a subsequent round of discussions in the Pakistani capital once US-imposed restrictions were removed. He indicated that the lifting of sanctions would act as a direct trigger for the resumption of diplomatic talks between the two sides.

Iravani stressed that Iran’s position is based on a set of clear preconditions. He said that the removal of sanctions is essential before any formal negotiations can resume, and that this step would enable the planned meeting in Islamabad to proceed. His remarks underlined that Iran links the possibility of renewed engagement to specific actions by the United States.

Alongside the sanctions issue, he also referred to the broader security context surrounding any potential dialogue. According to his statement, Iran expects that any violations of a ceasefire arrangement must stop before new negotiations begin. He characterised this as a necessary condition for rebuilding trust and creating an environment suitable for diplomacy.

Iravani further reiterated Iran’s stated readiness to respond to different outcomes. He said that Tehran is open to a political settlement if diplomatic conditions are met, while also asserting that it remains prepared for alternative scenarios should negotiations fail to progress. His comments framed Iran’s position as conditional cooperation rather than unconditional engagement.

The statement did not provide a specific timeline for when discussions in Islamabad could take place, nor did it outline procedural arrangements beyond the stated prerequisites. It also did not specify which sanctions measures would need to be lifted in order for talks to resume.

The remarks form part of continuing diplomatic exchanges involving Iran and the United States, in which sanctions policy and compliance with ceasefire-related commitments remain central points of contention. The comments were reported in Iranian media and cited by regional outlets, including Middle East Eye.

Key Positions Outlined by Iran

IssuePosition stated by IranRequired condition
SanctionsWilling to resume talks in IslamabadUnited States must lift sanctions
Negotiation venueIslamabad identified for next roundDependent on sanctions removal
Ceasefire issuesMust be addressed before talksAlleged violations must stop
Diplomatic stanceOpen to political settlementSubject to conditions being met
Alternative outlookPrepared for all scenariosIf negotiations do not proceed

Overall, Iran’s position links the resumption of dialogue directly to the lifting of US sanctions and the cessation of alleged ceasefire violations, with Islamabad remaining the proposed venue for any future round of negotiations.

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