Islamabad: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Saturday with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Iranian Embassy confirmed.
The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi along with other senior officials from both sides, and focused on the evolving regional environment and matters of shared concern.
The Iranian delegation accompanying the foreign minister included Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.
During the visit, Araghchi is also expected to meet separately with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. These engagements will include discussions on regional stability, diplomatic coordination, and efforts to reduce tensions in the wider region.
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the Islamabad visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour covering Pakistan, Oman, and Russia, aimed at consultations on bilateral relations and ongoing regional developments, including the situation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
At the same time, diplomatic activity is also continuing from the US side. Reports suggest that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are preparing to visit Pakistan for another round of discussions with Iranian representatives focused on de-escalation and conflict resolution.
US officials have confirmed the planned engagement, while also indicating that additional senior US figures may join if required, depending on developments.
Sources say a US logistical and security team has already arrived in Islamabad in preparation for the expected negotiations, reportedly linked to Pakistan’s mediating efforts behind the scenes.
The broader regional situation escalated in February following military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic talks at the time.
A ceasefire was later facilitated through diplomatic channels involving Pakistan, followed by early-stage negotiations in Islamabad that marked a rare direct contact between senior US and Iranian officials after many years.
Those discussions addressed several sensitive issues, including maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, and international sanctions, though key disagreements remain unresolved.
Iran had temporarily shut and later reopened the Strait of Hormuz before closing it again amid renewed tensions related to maritime restrictions imposed in the region.
Despite ongoing challenges, Pakistan continues to play a mediating role, encouraging both sides to maintain dialogue and support efforts aimed at preserving the fragile ceasefire and promoting regional peace.
