Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan’s civil and military leadership during a brief stopover in Islamabad between his trips to Oman and Russia, as Islamabad wrapped up security blockades after U.S. President Donald Trump said an anticipated second round of peace talks would not take place.
According to local media, Araghchi made a short stay in Islamabad on Sunday, meeting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir, as well as the civilian leadership. Islamabad is reportedly continuing to push for a permanent end to the Iran-U.S. war amidst a stalemate.
Following his meetings, the Iranian foreign minister left for Moscow. This was the Iranian official’s second trip to Islamabad in as many days. In his previous trip on Saturday, he also met Pakistan’s leadership, with Iranian state media reporting he had traveled onward to Oman while members of his delegation had returned to Iran to communicate progress on issues related to the war. Prior to departing for Oman, Araghchi described the trip as “very fruitful,” but reiterated skepticism over Washington’s intentions. “Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy,” he added.
Earlier, during his trip to Oman, Araghchi held talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on security in the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic efforts to end the Iran-U.S. conflict.
While Trump has withdrawn his security team and barred envoys from reaching Islamabad for further talks, he has stressed that this does not mean a return to open hostilities.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin the Russian leg of his tour.
While it remains unclear what, if any, progress has been made on a potential deal between Washington and Tehran, U.S. media outlet Axios has claimed Iran has shared a new proposal aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war. The more contentious issue of nuclear enrichment, meanwhile, would be postponed for a later stage. Neither side has openly confirmed this as yet.