ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held key talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday as Pakistan intensified efforts to revive stalled negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
According to Beyond Time News, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir also joined the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office. The discussion focused on the evolving regional situation and prospects for renewed dialogue.
Earlier, officials confirmed that the high-level meeting would address rising tensions and diplomatic efforts in the region. Meanwhile, Islamabad continued its push to facilitate a second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
Previously, Pakistan helped broker a two-week ceasefire on April 8. Following this, Prime Minister Shehbaz invited both sides to Islamabad for negotiations. However, the first round ended without agreement due to differences over Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, as well as control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite this setback, Pakistan maintained diplomatic engagement. In fact, just hours before the ceasefire was set to expire on April 22, US President Donald Trump announced its extension, saying the decision came at Pakistan’s request. He added that Washington would delay further action to allow space for a unified Iranian proposal.
Read more:CDF Asim Munir Meets Iran FM Araghchi as US–Iran Talks
At the same time, the White House confirmed that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan for fresh talks. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also stated that Vice President JD Vance remains on standby if needed.
Earlier engagements
Before meeting the prime minister, Araghchi held separate talks with Field Marshal Asim Munir in Islamabad. According to diplomatic sources, National Security Adviser Asim Malik and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also attended the meeting.
The Iranian delegation included Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday night. Officials said he would meet Pakistan’s leadership to discuss regional peace and stability.
Moreover, Iranian state media reported that his visit forms part of a three-country tour, including stops in Muscat and Moscow. The tour aims to strengthen coordination with key partners and review the latest developments in the ongoing conflict.
