Araghchi arrives in Islamabad in major diplomatic breakthrough, US envoys Witkoff, Kushner to land today
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and CDF Marshal Asim Munir receive Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on his arrival in Islamabad. PHOTO: X/Tahir Andrabi
ISLAMABAD:
After days of uncertainty and pessimism, Islamabad is back in the diplomatic spotlight with the arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the federal capital on Friday evening, signaling a new desire to revive stalled talks between Tehran and Washington.
The high-stakes visit comes at a critical time, when tensions remain high and the fate of diplomacy hangs in the balance after the failure of the second round of U.S.-Iran talks planned in Islamabad earlier this week.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an Iranian delegation led by Araghchi was received upon arrival by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials.
The statement said the Iranian foreign minister will hold meetings with Pakistan’s top leaders to discuss the latest regional developments and ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability.
Diplomatic sources said the visit follows Araghchi’s separate telephone contacts with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defense Force Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as part of efforts to maintain close coordination amid the evolving situation.
As Araghchi landed in Islamabad, the White House said President Donald Trump was sending special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Pakistan for further engagement with the Iranian side.
However, Tehran did not confirm whether Araghchi’s visit would involve direct or indirect talks with US officials in Islamabad.
Officials familiar with the matter said Iran’s foreign minister should first consult with Pakistani authorities, with the outcome likely to determine the next phase of engagement between Tehran and Washington.
In a message before his departure, Araghchi said he was embarking on a “timely tour” to Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow to coordinate with key partners on bilateral relations and regional developments, stressing that “neighbors are our priority.”
The choice of capitals reflects the broader diplomatic framework: Pakistan is seen as a key intermediary, Oman traditionally hosts behind-the-scenes negotiations, while Russia remains a strategic ally of Iran, particularly on the nuclear issue.
The latest developments follow the abrupt cancellation of a second round of negotiations planned in Islamabad earlier this week. Iran refused to send its delegation, insisting that the United States must first lift what it described as a naval blockade, a demand Washington did not agree to.
At the heart of this impasse are two major issues: Iran’s nuclear program and growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil supplies.
Despite this setback, Pakistan has maintained all security arrangements put in place for the negotiations, and U.S. security teams that arrived ahead of the scheduled meeting remain in Islamabad, a sign that diplomatic efforts are still underway.
The officials said Islamabad had engaged in quiet diplomacy to iron out differences, with Araghchi’s visit seen as one outcome of those efforts.
As the two sides struggle to agree on the next round of negotiations, a fragile ceasefire continues to hold after being extended by Washington without a defined deadline.
The White House also indicated that Vice President JD Vance remained prepared to travel to Islamabad if progress was made.
Iran, however, reiterated that it would not negotiate under pressure or coercion.
For now, all eyes are once again on Islamabad, which is trying to leverage its role as mediator to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.
