Iran has rejected Pakistan’s claim that Islamabad is hosting or facilitating direct talks between the United States and Tehran. The Iranian Consulate in Mumbai stated clearly that there have been no direct negotiations with Washington and only excessive demands passed through intermediaries. Pakistan had earlier announced that it was ready to host US-Iran peace talks after high-level meetings in Islamabad with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey. Islamabad also claimed both sides were confident in Pakistan’s mediation role.