Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday, carrying Tehran’s formal response to proposals conveyed by the United States through Pakistan, as diplomatic activity intensified around the ongoing US-Iran standoff.
The Iranian foreign minister was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir, underscoring the significance Islamabad has attached to the visit.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Araghchi is expected to hold meetings with political and military leadership to discuss regional developments and ongoing efforts aimed at peace and stability.
The visit comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Iran, with key issues — including a naval blockade, nuclear restrictions and sequencing of concessions — still unresolved.
Pakistani officials said the visit is primarily aimed at conveying Tehran’s response following internal consultations. The proposals were earlier delivered by Field Marshal Munir during his visit to Tehran as part of Islamabad’s mediation efforts.
Ahead of the visit, Araghchi held separate calls with Dar and Munir, focusing on the ceasefire and diplomatic engagement. Pakistan has emphasized the need for sustained dialogue to resolve outstanding issues.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad for talks facilitated by Pakistan. JD Vance is on standby and may join if negotiations progress.
However, uncertainty remains over the possibility of direct face-to-face talks. Iranian officials have maintained that negotiations will not proceed unless conditions, including the lifting of the US naval blockade, are met.
Diplomatic engagement has continued through indirect channels since the first round of talks held in Islamabad on April 11–12, which concluded without agreement but kept communication lines open.
The current ceasefire, brokered earlier this month, has been extended without a clear timeline, leaving space for diplomacy while prolonging uncertainty in the region.