ISLAMABAD, Sept 8: Pakistan on Thursday claimed that even without mediation it was playing a “very positive role” towards the amicable settlement of Iran’s nuclear row with the International Atomic Energy Agency, three major European countries and the United States. Foreign Office spokesman Naeem Khan told Dawn: “We are asking all parties concerned — Iran, the European Union and the US — to resolve the issue within the framework of the IAEA.”

He said the Iranian leadership had appreciated the role being played by Pakistan.

Asked if Pakistan was contemplating mediation on the issue, he said: “That depends on the parties concerned, if they are interested,” indicating that so far Pakistan had not been formally approached by any party.

Referring to Iranian top negotiator Dr Ali Larijani’s talks with Pakistani leaders here on Wednesday, the spokesman said: “We had very detailed discussions on Iran’s nuclear issue with Dr Larijani and we said that if Pakistan can play a role we will be happy to do so.”

Dr Larijani’s visit took place less than two weeks before the IAEA board of governors meeting in Vienna on Sept 19 that could refer Iran’s case to the United Nations Security Council.

When Dawn asked the spokesman if there had been any discussion during Dr Larijani’s visit on Pakistan’s first public contact with Israel, his response was: “Since we had informed Iran before the visit about this meeting there was only a passing reference made to it.”