Iranian FM to arrive in Islamabad tonight

Updated 24 Apr, 2026 06:13pm 2 min read
A representational image. -- Reuters
A representational image. -- Reuters

Iran’s Foreign Minister ​Abbas Araghchi will begin a trip on Friday that includes visits to Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow, Iranian state media confirms.

“The purpose of this visit is to hold bilateral consultations and discuss current developments in the region, as well as the latest situation in the war imposed by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran,” the state news agency IRNA said.

Abbas Araghchi will reach Islamabad with a small team and will hold important meetings with Pakistani officials, which could start the second round of peace talks between Iran and the US.

The visit follows a series of high-level telephone contacts between Araghchi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.

According to Iran’s state news agency, Araghchi and Pakistani officials discussed recent regional developments and the ongoing ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Dar stressed the importance of dialogue and continued communication with Tehran to address outstanding issues.

Araghchi, in turn, appreciated what he called Pakistan’s “constant and constructive facilitation role,” with both sides agreeing to remain in contact.

The diplomatic activity comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, with Pakistan acting as a key intermediary.

The first round of US–Iran talks after a two-week ceasefire was held earlier in Islamabad but ended without a breakthrough. Iran has since demanded an end to the US naval blockade as a condition for further engagement.

US President Donald Trump has said in recent statements that Washington will continue its naval blockade of Iran. He also ordered the US military on Thursday to destroy Iranian gunboats operating in the Strait of Hormuz, according to his remarks.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said mistrust of the United States remains the main obstacle to progress in negotiations, accusing Washington of contradictory actions and rhetoric. Tehran has also raised concerns over what it describes as US threats and attempts to restrict maritime routes.

Despite the tensions, Iranian officials say Tehran remains open to diplomacy but insists that substantive differences remain over the framework and conduct of talks.

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