Iranian state-controlled media has launched a sharp - and an unusually public - attack on Pakistan, accusing it of playing a "double game" as the mediator in US-Iran talks, directly targeting Army Chief General Asim Munir. The criticism, aired during a televised debate is indicative of worsening ties between Tehran and Islamabad at a time when diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
At the centre of the row is Iran's allegation that Pakistan has aligned with Washington while continuing to engage with Iranian leadership - a posture Tehran describes as duplicity.
Iran claims its formal negotiation proposal was routed to the US via Pakistan but has received no response so far. Instead, Iranian media allege that Islamabad has sidelined Tehran's 10-point framework - earlier acknowledged by US President Donald Trump - and is now pushing 15 to 16 new American demands.
Analysts in Tehran argue this reflects a clear shift away from neutrality, accusing Pakistan of weakening Iran's bargaining position under the guise of mediation.
Iranian commentators also criticised Pakistan's public messaging, calling it misleading and aimed at shaping global perception. Reports suggesting imminent talks have been dismissed by Tehran, which maintains it has refused to participate in a second round of negotiations.
The latest developments in US-Iran talks have entered a fragile phase, with both sides technically keeping the door open but remaining far apart on key issues. The US on Wednesday extended the ongoing ceasefire indefinitely while waiting for what it calls a "unified proposal" from Tehran, even as mediation efforts led by Pakistan continue.
However, negotiations are effectively stalled, with planned talks delayed and no clear breakthrough in sight. Iran has signalled it is open to talks, but only if pressure tactics stop, insisting it will not negotiate under what it calls threats or coercion.
The US has continued its naval blockade of Iranian ports despite the ceasefire, something Tehran calls a violation of the agreement and even an "act of war".
Diana George is Associate Editor at Times Now, with over a decade of experience covering national and international news, crime, and local politics. S...View More
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