Islamabad: Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, met with Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir in Islamabad as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict in the Middle East, state broadcaster IRIB reported. In addition to this meeting, Araghchi held discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as confirmed by a statement from the Prime Minister's office.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday night with the objective of discussing recent regional developments and ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The Iranian Foreign Ministry had indicated that these discussions were part of a broader diplomatic initiative.
Pakistani security authorities revealed that Araghchi brought a response to proposals from the United States, which were communicated during army chief Munir's recent three-day visit to Tehran. Pakistan, playing a mediating role, recently hosted Iranian and US delegations, including US Vice President JD Vance, for direct talks aimed at resolving the conflict initiated by the US and Israel in February.
The White House announced that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner would be travelling to Islamabad for discussions with Iranian officials. However, it remains uncertain if they will meet Araghchi, as Iran has ruled out direct negotiations for now. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei stated that no meeting with the US side has been scheduled.
With differing accounts from both sides, it is unclear whether the conflicting parties will continue exchanging messages through Pakistani mediators or eventually engage in direct negotiations. Despite Washington's readiness for a new round of talks with Iranian negotiators following earlier meetings in Islamabad, Iran has yet to agree, citing ongoing tensions over key issues such as the Strait of Hormuz.