Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to convene a second round of US–Iran negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a meeting in Islamabad on Saturday with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, as regional mediation efforts intensify.
The meeting took place in the Pakistani capital as part of broader efforts by Islamabad to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran under a fragile ceasefire framework.
A small Iranian delegation also attended, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei and Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, according to footage shared by the Iranian embassy in Pakistan, reports Al-Rai daily.
The talks come ahead of the expected arrival of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Islamabad later in the day, where they are expected to engage in efforts aimed at launching a new round of negotiations with Iran.
However, uncertainty continues to surround the format of the discussions. While the White House has indicated that the US delegation will hold “direct talks” with Iranian representatives, Tehran has reiterated that no direct negotiations with American officials are currently planned.
The diplomatic push unfolds against a broader backdrop of shifting international pressure, including renewed scrutiny of sanctions and energy policy.
Recent developments have seen the US Treasury signal a hardening stance on oil-related waivers for both Iranian and Russian exports, while European officials have suggested sanctions relief could be considered if a comprehensive agreement is reached.
As competing narratives persist between Washington and Tehran, Pakistan’s mediation role remains central to keeping communication channels open, even as the prospects for direct engagement remain unclear.
