ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Friday he was embarking on a regional tour that includes Islamabad, as two Pakistani official sources informed he was expected to arrive in the capital tonight, with the United States set to dispatch its representatives for talks with the Iranian delegation on Saturday.
Islamabad is pushing for the resumption of negotiations between the US and Iran after hosting initial talks on Apr. 11 that ended without agreement, with the expected visits signaling behind-the-scenes efforts to keep the peace process alive, even amid uncertainty related to Tehran’s participation.
“Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow,” Araghchi said in a post on X.
“Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments,” he added. “Our neighbors are our priority.”
A Pakistani official source said earlier that Araghchi was expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday night with a small delegation.
“Following important discussions with the Pakistani mediation team, a second round of Islamabad peace talks between the United States and Iran is expected,” the source privy to the matter told Arab News on condition of anonymity.
“A US logistics and security team is already present in Islamabad to facilitate the negotiation process,” he added.
Another Pakistani government source also confirmed the development.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA, however, said the visit would entail “bilateral consultations,” without mentioning any meeting with US officials in Islamabad.
“The purpose of this trip is bilateral consultations, discussions, and dialogue regarding the ongoing developments in the region, as well as the latest status of the imposed war by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran,” it added.
However, Fox News reported that US President Donald Trump would send special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to engage in talks with representatives from the Iranian delegation, citing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“Yes, I can confirm special envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks, direct talks, intermediated by the Pakistanis, who have been incredible friends and mediators throughout this entire process, with representatives from the Iranian delegation,” Leavitt said in an interview.
She said the “Iranians reached out ... for this in person conversation,” adding the US was sending its representatives to “hear what they have to say.”
“We’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward toward a deal,” she added.
According to CNN, US Vice President JD Vance is not currently expected to attend but remains on standby to travel to Islamabad if negotiations progress, adding that members of his staff would be present in Pakistan.
Islamabad has positioned itself as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran following weeks of conflict and a fragile ceasefire first announced on Apr. 8 and later extended by Trump this week.
The ceasefire followed a 40-day war that began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks. The fighting raised fears of a broader war in the Middle East and disrupted global energy markets.
Tensions have since centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
Iran has restricted shipping through the strait in response to US attacks, disrupting energy flows and raising concerns about global supply and prices.
Despite extending the ceasefire, Washington has continued its naval blockade of Iranian ports, underscoring the fragile nature of the truce.
Pakistan has also imposed extensive traffic restrictions across Islamabad ahead of possible high-level diplomatic engagements, a routine measure during sensitive visits, with key routes closed and heavy traffic barred from entering the capital.
