SRINAGAR: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Pakistan on Sunday for the second time in three days, underscoring fast-moving diplomatic efforts amid uncertainty over the next phase of Iran–United States peace talks, international media reported.
Araghchi arrived at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi on Sunday evening after a brief visit to Oman, where he held discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on regional security and mediation efforts, particularly concerning tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian state media and Pakistani outlets, Araghchi’s return to Islamabad is part of a short transit stop before continuing to Moscow. During his stay, he is expected to hold further consultations with senior Pakistani officials, although no official statement has been issued by Islamabad regarding the visit.
The Iranian foreign minister had departed Pakistan late Saturday after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, among other officials. His earlier visit was described as “very fruitful,” with Tehran sharing its proposed framework for a “permanent end” to the ongoing conflict involving the United States.
In public remarks, Araghchi indicated that Iran had outlined a “workable framework” for ending hostilities but questioned Washington’s commitment to diplomacy.
The diplomatic momentum was disrupted after US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a planned visit by American negotiators to Islamabad. The delegation, reportedly including senior envoys, was expected to participate in a second round of indirect talks with Iran.
Trump, speaking via social media and later in a television interview, said the decision was taken to avoid prolonged travel and cited internal “confusion” within Iran’s leadership. He maintained that the United States remained open to dialogue but insisted that Tehran should initiate contact.
“We have all the cards. If they want to talk, they can call us or come to us,” Trump said, without specifying a timeline for any potential engagement.
Pakistan had positioned itself as a facilitator for dialogue between Tehran and Washington, implementing extensive security measures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of the anticipated talks. Over 10,000 security personnel were deployed, and movement restrictions were imposed across key areas of the twin cities.
On Sunday, authorities eased some of these restrictions, allowing limited movement of heavy traffic after the planned talks failed to materialise.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming Pakistan’s willingness to act as a “sincere and honest” intermediary in efforts to secure lasting regional peace.
Despite the setback, diplomatic engagement remains active. Araghchi’s consultations in Oman highlighted Muscat’s ongoing role as a mediator in West Asian tensions, with Sultan Haitham reiterating support for dialogue-based solutions.
Iranian officials have stated that the latest round of outreach is aimed at sustaining momentum for negotiations, even as formal talks face delays.
Araghchi is expected to depart for Moscow following his brief stop in Pakistan, as Tehran continues parallel diplomatic engagements with regional and global stakeholders.
The evolving situation reflects a fragile and shifting diplomatic landscape, with backchannel communication and regional mediation efforts continuing despite the collapse of scheduled talks in Islamabad.
