Iranian foreign minister expected in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran talks

ISLAMABAD:  Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad late on Friday night with a small delegation, government sources said, as diplomatic efforts continue over potential US-Iran engagement talks.

According to government sources, Pakistan’s mediation team is expected to hold key discussions aimed at facilitating a second round of “peace talks” between the United States and Iran in Islamabad.

The sources said the outcome of ongoing contacts could lead to another round of negotiations being held in the Pakistani capital, although no formal confirmation has been issued by any of the parties involved.

Separately, a US logistics and security team is already present in Islamabad in connection with the anticipated talks, the sources added.

There has been no official public confirmation from Washington, Tehran or Islamabad regarding the timing or agenda of the proposed meetings.

Earlier, Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone conversations with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.

According to official Iranian media, the discussions focused on recent regional developments, the status of the ceasefire, and efforts being made by Islamabad to facilitate a second round of talks between Iran and the United States.

Earlier rounds of talks between Iran and the US were held in Islamabad but ended without agreement, despite mediation efforts.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump signalled he was under no pressure to end the conflict. “I have all the time in the world, but Iran doesn’t – the clock is ticking!” Trump wrote on social media.

Trump also warned that US forces would destroy any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure on Iran to reopen the vital shipping route, which Washington has sought to control through a military blockade.

Iranian officials and analysts pushed back on US claims, with analyst Hassan Ahmadian saying the US move was not an economic blockade but a cover to reposition forces for a potential new phase of conflict.

Iran’s leadership has also rejected Trump’s assertions of internal divisions. President Masoud Pezeshkian, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei issued coordinated statements emphasising unity.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei said national cohesion had “fractured the enemy” and warned against psychological warfare aimed at undermining public morale.

Pakistan has in recent weeks positioned itself as a potential facilitator for dialogue between the two sides, as regional tensions remain elevated and diplomatic channels remain active through indirect engagement, according to officials familiar with the matter.

Further details are expected as developments unfold.