Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, deleted a social media post announcing Tehran’s delegation’s arrival in Islamabad for April 10 talks with the United States.
The removal triggered speculation about last-minute diplomatic sensitivities and possible changes in the negotiation schedule.
The deleted post had confirmed the visit at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation and referenced Iranian concerns over repeated Israeli ceasefire violations. The talks follow Pakistan-facilitated efforts, supported by China, that helped secure a two-week US-Iran ceasefire after February’s escalation.
Pakistan played a crucial facilitator role, initiating contact after US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Prime Minister Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir led backchannel appeals, while China leveraged its position as Iran’s largest trading partner to encourage dialogue. The ceasefire allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and halted military operations temporarily.
India maintained active engagement throughout the crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Iran’s president and Gulf leaders, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar coordinated with counterparts from the UAE and Iran on energy security and regional stability. Iranian representative Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi praised India’s diplomatic outreach, calling it “very good.”
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz eased global energy concerns. Oil prices dropped sharply, offering potential economic relief for India ahead of elections. The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the truce, emphasising de-escalation and uninterrupted trade routes.
The deleted post adds intrigue to the evolving West Asia peace process, where Pakistan, India, and Gulf states continue to manoeuvre for influence amid fragile regional calm.
