Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has touched down in Pakistan for discussions aimed at reviving peace talks with the US.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that he expects Tehran to propose a deal that satisfies Washington’s demands as his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner head to Islamabad amid growing uncertainty around a new round of talks with Iran.
Araghchi in Islamabad
Araghchi arrived in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Friday for an official visit to discuss the latest regional developments. The Iranian Foreign Minister said that his tour will also include stops at 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,” he posted on X.
Pleased to receive and welcome my brother, Foreign Minister of Iran, H. E. Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi, to Islamabad, alongside Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Look forward to our meaningful engagements aimed at promoting regional peace and… pic.twitter.com/XHrqXijgqx
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 24, 2026
Upon his arrival, Araghchi was received by his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, Army chief Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with other senior officials. They later held a meeting, according to Araghchi’s Telegram channel.
No Direct Talks
Several media outlets reported that Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan will involve a direct meeting with US negotiators to resume peace talks. However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims.
“No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan,” the Ministry’s spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said.
He added that Araghchi will meet with senior Pakistani officials in line with their ongoing mediation and good offices for ending the war and reestablishing regional peace.
Witkoff & Kushner on the Way
Despite Iranian statements, the White House said that Trump’s envoys Witkoff and Kushner will leave on Saturday morning for Pakistan to hold talks with Araghchi.
“We’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward to a deal,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during an interview with Fox News before the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s statement.
Later, she told reporters that Vice President JD Vance is willing to travel to Pakistan “if necessary,” touting progress in talks. “We’ve certainly seen some progress from the Iranian side in the last couple of days,” she said.
Vance, Witkoff and Kushner took part in talks with Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf in Islamabad two weeks ago.
Trump’s Optimism
Trump on Friday struck an upbeat tone regarding a deal with Iran. He told Reuters that Tehran plans to make an offer aimed at satisfying US demands, without elaborating. “They’re making an offer and we’ll have to see,” he said.
The US President also emphasized that the naval blockade on Iran will remain in effect until a deal is reached. “I’d have to be able to answer that question later. I have to see what they’re offering,” he said when asked about lifting the blockade.
Moreover, Trump added that Washington is negotiating “with the people that are in charge now” after expressing concern over Iran’s leadership a day earlier.
Third US Carrier Arrives
Despite Trump’s announcement on Tuesday of a unilateral extension of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, a third US aircraft carrier arrived to the Middle East on Thursday.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier is now operating in its area of responsibility.
“For the first time in decades, three aircraft carriers are operating in the Middle East at the same time. Accompanied by their carrier air wings, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) include over 200 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors and Marines,” CENTCOM said.
Washington and Tehran remain in a deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic waterway linking the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, through which around a fifth of daily global oil supplies and LNG supplies pass.
The US is maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports, with Trump ordering the Navy to “shoot and kill” small boats that could lay mines in the critical shipping route. Meanwhile, Iran is keeping its stranglehold on traffic through the Strait, attacking three ships and imposing transit fees.
