Iran FM to Return to Islamabad as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
By Tahir Shah :
Abbas Araghchi is set to return to Pakistan on Sunday, shortly after departing Islamabad, as diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict with the United States gather pace.
According to Iranian state media, Araghchi will revisit Islamabad after completing a stop in Oman, before continuing onward to Russia. Part of his delegation has temporarily returned to Tehran for consultations and is expected to rejoin him in Pakistan.
In a statement following his earlier visit, Araghchi said Iran had shared a “workable framework” with Pakistan aimed at bringing a permanent end to the war, though he did not disclose specifics. He described his talks in Islamabad as “very fruitful” and praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue.
Islamabad has been acting as a key intermediary between Tehran and Washington after tensions escalated following the US-Israel strikes on Iran February 2026. A first round of talks hosted in Pakistan earlier this month ended without a breakthrough, despite a temporary ceasefire brokered on April 8.
During his visit, Araghchi met Shehbaz Sharif to discuss regional stability and ways to revive stalled negotiations. However, he expressed doubts about Washington’s intentions, saying it remained unclear whether the US was “truly serious about diplomacy”.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump signalled a tougher stance, confirming he had cancelled a planned visit to Pakistan by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, citing frustration over lack of progress.
Iran has so far refused direct talks with the US, opting instead to communicate through intermediaries. Key sticking points include control of the Strait of Hormuz, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, and Tehran’s nuclear programme.
With negotiations stalled but diplomatic channels still open, Araghchi’s return to Islamabad suggests continued efforts to bridge differences and prevent further escalation in the region.
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