Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected claims that a 60-day deadline in the Islamabad understanding between Iran and the United States ended on Monday. In remarks published on August 17, 2026, he said the understanding contains no reference to a 60-day time limit. He said Iran does not change its policies under pressure or because of set deadlines.

Baghaei said Tehran makes decisions based on national interests and its own assessments. Addressing reports about mediators between Iran and the United States, he said Pakistan is serving as a mediator on related matters and Qatar is also making efforts. However, he said the core issue between Tehran and Washington is not mediation, but rather the United States' outlook and position.

The spokesperson also said Tehran is regularly working to clarify the fate and current condition of three Iranian pilots detained in Qatar. He said Iran's demand to Qatar is that it clarify the pilots' present status. The report did not provide details about the pilots' identities, the reasons for their detention, or when they were detained.