Late on Friday night, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad at the head of a high-level delegation, stepping off into a cool, quiet evening as Pakistan moved to facilitate renewed diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States.
He was warmly and formally received at Noor Khan Airbase by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a host of senior officials. The reception underscored the gravity of the visit and Pakistan’s active role as a regional interlocutor.
During his short stay, Araghchi is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with Pakistan’s senior leadership to review the latest regional developments and coordinate ongoing efforts aimed at peace and stability across the region. He will remain in Islamabad overnight and is expected to depart on Saturday afternoon for further visits to Muscat and Moscow.
Islamabad is pushing for the resumption of US-Iran negotiations after hosting initial talks on April 11 that concluded without agreement; these high-profile trips reflect discreet, behind-the-scenes efforts to keep the fragile peace process alive even as questions linger about Tehran’s participation. In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, “Embarking on a timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow,” adding, “The purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments. Our neighbors are our priority.”
Earlier on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by phone with Araghchi. The Foreign Office said both sides reviewed regional developments, the ceasefire situation, and Islamabad’s diplomatic engagement in the context of US-Iran relations. Araghchi, in turn, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s consistent and constructive role in facilitating dialogue between the parties.