Iranian FM Araghchi arrives in Islamabad as second round of US-Iran talks gathers momentum
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – A high-level Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday, amid renewed momentum for a possible second round of Pakistan-mediated talks between Tehran and Washington.
Read alsoIran foreign minister set for Pakistan visit as ceasefire diplomacy gathers pace
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Araghchi was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, along with senior officials.
According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian foreign minister is scheduled to hold key meetings with Pakistan’s leadership focused on regional developments and diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.
Sources said a small negotiating team is accompanying Araghchi, while preparations are also underway in Islamabad for a potential second round of peace talks involving the United States. A US logistics and security team has reportedly already reached the federal capital.
Iran’s official news agency IRNA described the visit as part of a broader regional tour that includes Muscat and Moscow, saying the trip is aimed at bilateral consultations and discussions on the evolving regional situation.
In a post on X before departure, Araghchi said the “timely tour” was intended to coordinate closely with regional partners on bilateral issues and broader geopolitical developments, adding that neighbouring countries remain Tehran’s priority.
US representatives expected in Islamabad
Araghchi’s arrival came shortly after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Pakistan on Saturday for renewed talks with Iranian representatives.
Leavitt said the negotiations would be direct talks facilitated by Pakistan, praising Islamabad’s mediation efforts and suggesting senior US officials remain on standby depending on the outcome of the discussions.
She also claimed Tehran had sought the in-person engagement, while expressing hope that recent progress could lead to further breakthroughs during weekend diplomacy.
Dar, Araghchi discuss ceasefire, diplomacy
Hours before the visit, Dar and Araghchi held a telephone conversation to exchange views on the US-Iran ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic engagement, according to the Foreign Office.
Islamabad underscored the importance of sustained dialogue to address outstanding issues and advance regional peace, while Tehran appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and constructive facilitation role.
Both sides agreed to remain in close contact as diplomatic activity intensifies.
Islamabad pushes for breakthrough
The first round of direct US-Iran talks took place in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire reached on April 8. While the discussions ended without a formal agreement, they were widely viewed as a significant diplomatic opening.
Plans for a second round had been delayed due to tensions linked to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iranian ports, but Islamabad has in recent days stepped up efforts to revive negotiations.
On Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held what officials described as an important meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad, where possible arrangements for the next phase of talks were discussed.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump also signalled optimism, saying a second round of negotiations in Islamabad could take place within days despite lingering mistrust.
With Iranian and expected US delegations converging on Islamabad, diplomatic attention is now focused on whether Pakistan can help steer the process toward a breakthrough.
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