'Embarrassing, Can't Be Happy About That': Shashi Tharoor On US-Iran's Proposed Talks In Pakistan

Last Updated:March 26, 2026, 09:30 IST

Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment that Pakistan is emerging as a mediator in efforts to ease US-Iran tensions, saying India should have taken the lead in peacemaking.

Shashi Tharoor has said it is “embarrassing" that Pakistan is playing a prominent role in mediation efforts related to the ongoing West Asia conflict, arguing that India should have taken a leading diplomatic position.

Commenting on reports that Pakistan, along with Turkey and Egypt, is involved in facilitating possible talks between the United States and Iran, Tharoor said he had supported the Indian government’s restrained public position on the conflict in the hope that New Delhi would use the moment to advance peace initiatives.

“Right now, sorry to say that things are not looking so good. It is a bit embarrassing for all of us," Tharoor said.

“One of the reasons that I supported the government’s restraint and silence on this Iran war was because I hoped that the government would use this to create a space for peacemaking and be a leading voice for peace, as PM Modi has often said India should be."

“But ironically, we see that it is Pakistan that is leading the effort with Turkey and Egypt to do mediation. I can’t be happy about that," he added.

Tharoor said he had been advocating for India to leverage its diplomatic ties to encourage dialogue between the concerned parties.

“Look, if there are peace talks in Pakistan, India has nothing to do with it. I have been calling for almost three weeks now for India to take a leading stand, leveraging its good relations with both sides into a peace initiative," Tharoor said.

“Now, apparently, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey have done it. Good luck to them, we all want peace. But India gets no credit while Pakistan is holding the peace talks," he said.

The Congress MP also addressed the controversy surrounding claims that his comments reflected support for the BJP-led government, asserting that his position was guided by national interest rather than political alignment.

“I am a strong critic of the BJP and especially of communalism, and I really believe this is against the interests of the country, but as a responsible citizen of India, I often speak of the national interest," Tharoor said.

IRAN REVIEWING US PROPOSAL CONVEYED THROUGH MEDIATORS

Iran is reviewing a proposal from the United States aimed at ending the conflict in the Gulf, though Tehran has indicated that the exchange of messages through intermediaries does not constitute formal negotiations with Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the messages had been conveyed to Iran’s leadership through mediators and that authorities would decide on the appropriate response if necessary.

Reuters reported that Iran has communicated to intermediaries that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and Israel, citing regional sources familiar with Tehran’s position.

US President Donald Trump said Iranian leaders were seeking a deal but faced internal pressures.

“They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they will be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us," Trump said.

The report said the US proposal conveyed via Pakistan includes provisions such as removing Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, halting enrichment, curbing its ballistic missile programme and limiting support to regional allies, citing sources familiar with the plan.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington could intensify military action if Iran rejected the terms.

Despite diplomatic exchanges through intermediaries, fighting has continued across the region, with ongoing missile and drone attacks as well as air strikes involving Iran, Israel and US forces, indicating that negotiations and military escalation are unfolding simultaneously.

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