ISLAMABAD, April 25: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a key meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir in Islamabad on Saturday, marking the start of high-level diplomatic engagements amid intensifying efforts to revive dialogue between Tehran and Washington.
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According to the Iranian Embassy, the meeting was Araghchi’s first official engagement following his arrival in Pakistan late Friday night. He is also scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as part of consultations on bilateral ties and evolving regional dynamics.
The Pakistani delegation included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and senior officials, while the Iranian side featured Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.
Diplomatic Mission and Mediation Role
Araghchi’s visit comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing standoff between Iran and the United States, with Pakistan playing an increasingly active mediation role. The Iranian minister is carrying Tehran’s formal response to proposals earlier conveyed by Washington through Islamabad.
Pakistani officials said the visit aims to communicate Iran’s position following internal consultations, as both sides cautiously explore pathways to de-escalation.
In a statement prior to departure, Araghchi emphasized regional coordination, stating that engagement with neighboring countries remains a priority for Tehran.
Iranian spokesperson Baqaei clarified that no direct meeting between Iran and the US is currently planned, adding that Tehran’s observations would be conveyed via Pakistan’s diplomatic channel.
US Delegation Expected in Islamabad
The visit coincides with expectations of a renewed round of US-Iran engagement in Islamabad. According to the White House, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are set to travel to Pakistan for talks facilitated by Islamabad.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the US delegation would engage in “direct talks” with Iranian representatives, with Pakistani officials acting as intermediaries.
She noted that senior US leadership, including President Donald Trump and the vice president, are closely monitoring developments, with the possibility of further high-level engagement if progress is achieved.
Fragile Ceasefire, Unresolved Issues
The current diplomatic push follows earlier direct talks held in Islamabad on April 11–12, which lasted over 20 hours but ended without a formal agreement. However, both sides agreed to keep communication channels open.
A fragile ceasefire, initially brokered in early April, remains in place but without a defined timeline. Core disagreements persist, particularly over issues such as naval blockades, nuclear restrictions, and the sequencing of concessions.
Officials in Islamabad described the situation as fluid, with mediation efforts focused on narrowing gaps between US demands and Iranian conditions.
Regional Implications
Araghchi’s visit is part of a broader regional tour that includes stops in Oman and Russia, underscoring Tehran’s diplomatic outreach amid ongoing tensions.
Pakistan’s role as a mediator has drawn international attention, with officials positioning Islamabad as a key facilitator in preventing escalation and promoting dialogue between the two adversaries.
As diplomatic activity intensifies over the weekend, observers say the outcome of these engagements could shape the next phase of US-Iran relations and broader regional stability.
