ISLAMABAD — Iran said on Sunday that it was prepared to send a negotiating team to Islamabad for a fresh round of talks with the United States. The move followed mediation by Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Pakistan has emerged as the main channel between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had accepted Pakistan's offer to host the talks in principle. He said dates and format would be settled through Pakistani intermediaries. Mr Araghchi said Iran would not negotiate under threat. He added that 'serious and balanced' proposals carried by Pakistan deserved a response.

The announcement came two days after Pakistan's military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, described itself as cautiously optimistic following Field Marshal Munir's second trip to Tehran. During that visit he met senior Iranian leaders and military commanders. Pakistani diplomats have presented the country as a neutral broker with working relationships in both capitals.

The White House did not immediately comment on the Iranian statement. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he favours a deal with Tehran but has warned of consequences if talks fail. Analysts at the International Crisis Group have said Pakistan's leverage rests on its close military ties with Washington and its long border with Iran.

Any Islamabad round would be the most substantive contact between the two sides in months. Unresolved issues include limits on Iranian uranium enrichment, sanctions relief and security guarantees in the Gulf. Pakistan's Foreign Office said it stood ready to host delegations 'at the earliest mutually convenient date'.