Araghchi Heads to Islamabad: Will US-Iran Negotiations Continue?
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, ISLAMABAD – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to depart for the capital Islamabad on Friday evening with a limited delegation. This move is seen as an important signal towards the possible reopening of direct negotiation channels with the United States to ease the ongoing intensifying conflict.
Several senior officials in Islamabad confirmed the development to Al Jazeera, following a series of intensive communications between Araghchi and Pakistani leaders on the same day. However, Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, stated that the visit is bilateral in nature, aimed at discussing issues with Pakistani authorities, not for direct meetings with the US side. After Islamabad, Araghchi is scheduled to continue his tour to Moscow and Muscat.
Behind the official agenda, sources in Pakistan revealed a “significant opportunity for a breakthrough” between Washington and Tehran, after the past few days were marked by escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz—the vital global energy trade route.
Previously, a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was scheduled to arrive in Islamabad to continue discussions. However, Iran postponed its participation due to the US naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports. That policy was announced by President Donald Trump on 13 April, just two days after the first round of negotiations ended without agreement.
Since then, prospects for further dialogue have been shrouded in uncertainty. Tehran insists that lifting the blockade is the primary prerequisite for returning to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Washington has so far shown no signs of easing the policy, although Iran has hinted at readiness to reopen shipping access in the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation in the region has heated up. In recent days, incidents of ship seizures by both sides have occurred, further increasing the risk of open conflict. As of mid-week, there was no certainty regarding the continuation of the second round of negotiations.
Developments began to show a new dynamic on Friday morning, when Araghchi held telephone talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar. In the communication, Dar emphasised the importance of continuing dialogue, while Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s role as a consistent and constructive mediator.
IRNA reports also mentioned separate communications between Araghchi and Pakistan’s Military Chief, Asim Munir, though this has not been officially confirmed by Pakistani authorities.