Islamabad Talks phase-II: Iran’s Araghchi arrives in Pakistan, US officials to follow tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad as part of visits that will also include Muscat and Moscow, amid intensified diplomatic activity involving Iran, the United States, and regional stakeholders.

Araghchi and other Iranian delegates were was well recieved by his Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the Nur Khan Airbase tonight.

The Iranian foreign minister said on Friday he was embarking on a “timely tour” aimed at coordinating closely on bilateral matters and consulting on regional developments.

“Our neighbours are our priority,” he said, adding that the visit will focus on ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic engagement with key partners.

His visit comes amid heightened diplomatic efforts involving Iran, including contacts with the United States and mediation initiatives facilitated by regional countries. Pakistan has been actively engaged in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington, while Oman continues its traditional role as a quiet mediator, and Russia remains a key strategic partner for Iran.

According to government sources, Pakistan’s mediation efforts could help facilitate a second round of “peace talks” between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, although no formal confirmation has been issued by any side.

Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Sunday for what it described as phase two of talks involving Iranian representatives.

BREAKING: Karoline Leavitt confirms Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will head back to Pakistan tomorrow for peace talks with Iran.@AmericaRpts @johnrobertsFox pic.twitter.com/npLePI513c

— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 24, 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the discussions would be “direct talks facilitated by Pakistan,” adding that Islamabad has played an “invaluable” mediating role throughout the process.

She further said senior US leadership, including the president, vice president and secretary of state, will remain in Washington to monitor developments, while some officials remain on standby for possible travel if required.

“The Iranians reached out, as the president had called on them to do, and requested this in-person conversation,” Leavitt said, adding that the US administration “always prefers to give diplomacy a chance.”

Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.

Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.

Our neighbors are our priority.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 24, 2026

Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad is expected to include meetings with Pakistani leadership as efforts continue to explore further diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States, with additional rounds of talks potentially under consideration.

Islamabad traffic plan

Meanwhile, Islamabad authorities have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory, imposing a complete lockdown on the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone for all types of traffic.

According to the notification, the Expressway from Korral to Zero Point has been fully closed, while traffic on Srinagar Highway may face intermittent suspensions. Entry of heavy transport vehicles into the capital has also been strictly prohibited from all routes, with transporters advised to avoid entering Islamabad during this period.

To manage citywide movement, authorities have announced alternative routes for commuters. Residents of G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6, and F-7 travelling toward Rawalpindi are advised to use Margalla Road and 9th Avenue. Traffic from Faisal Avenue heading toward Zero Point will be diverted to 9th Avenue.

In case the Zero Point–Korral Chowk section is closed, motorists can take Srinagar Highway to 9th Avenue, proceed via Stadium Road, and reach Murree Road through Chandni Chowk, continuing onward via Rawal Road to Korral.

If Club Road is closed at Park Road, traffic will be rerouted toward Tramri Chowk. Commuters travelling between Bhara Kahu and Rawalpindi have been advised to use Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road.

For intercity travel between Rawalpindi Saddar and Islamabad, alternate routes include Colonel Sher Khan Road via Fakir Aipi Road or 9th Avenue.

Heavy traffic moving from Peshawar to Lahore via GT Road has been instructed to divert at Taxila onto the Motorway, proceed through Chakri Interchange and Chak Beli Road, and rejoin GT Road at Rawat. The reverse route has been designated for traffic traveling from Lahore to Peshawar.