Iranian foreign minister arrives in Islamabad ahead of possible US talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on late Friday for what officials say could pave the way for a second round of talks between Iran and the US.

Received by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, Araghchi “will hold meetings with Pakistan’s senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.

His visit comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by Islamabad to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington.

Earlier, the White House said that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday to hold talks with Iranian representatives.

“I can confirm special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in direct talks, intermediated by the Pakistanis, who have been incredible mediators throughout this entire process, with representatives from the Iranian delegation,” Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News.

Leavitt said that Vice President JD Vance will stay in the US although he “remains deeply involved in this entire process.”

Pakistan is stepping up efforts to revive a second round of talks between Iran and the US. The sources said discussions with Tehran could pave the way for renewed negotiations following the first round of direct talks held in Islamabad on April 11-12.

Those talks came after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which was later extended by Trump without a specified timeline. The developments come amid ongoing tensions since the outbreak of war on Feb. 28, with efforts focused on reaching a broader agreement to end hostilities.