Iranian Foreign Minister in Islamabad for High-Stakes Peace Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Friday night, marking a critical step in Pakistan-mediated efforts to resume direct talks between Iran and the United States.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, Araghchi’s visit follows intense diplomatic activity, including recent phone calls with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, the tour will extend to Moscow and Muscat after the Islamabad consultations.

The primary goal of the visit is to coordinate a second round of peace negotiations aimed at ending the war that began on February 28, 2026. Pakistan previously brokered a successful two-week ceasefire on April 8, which U.S. President Donald Trump later extended. Direct talks held in Islamabad on April 11–12 showed progress but left key issues—including nuclear constraints and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—unresolved.

Araghchi stated on the social media platform X that his regional tour aims to "closely coordinate with partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments," adding that neighboring countries remain Iran's top priority.

Pakistani officials believe this visit could pave the way for a definitive peace framework. Beyond the immediate conflict, the negotiations also focus on long-term maritime security and the stabilization of global oil routes currently impacted by the naval blockade.