Islamabad (TDI): Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is expected to reach Islamabad tonight (Friday night) with a small team, to start the round two of stalled peace talks with the United States.
This round, which was expected at the start of this week, was delayed because Iran did not make a decision about joining, while US Vice President JD Vance was all set to travel to Pakistan.
President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire, which was expiring on Wednesday, citing request from Pakistan – the country which has assumed a mediator role rather than just being a facilitator of talks.
In this regards, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi just today, some hours before government sources started revealing that the latter is expected in Islamabad by tonight.
This points to a greater role being played by Pakistan in making the talks happen when sticking points between the US and Iran are many.
The Foreign Office said in a post on X, “Both sides exchanged views on regional developments, the ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic efforts being pursued by Islamabad in the context of US-Iran engagement.”
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received a call today from Foreign Minister of Iran H.E. Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi.
Both sides exchanged views on regional developments, the ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic efforts being pursued by Islamabad in the context of… pic.twitter.com/eJ1fuVTVKE
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 24, 2026
Dar highlighted the necessity of continued diplomacy to restore peace in the region. He stressed the importance of continuous dialogue to address outstanding issues and advance regional peace and stability at the earliest.
Abbas Araghchi appreciated the process and praised Pakistan’s consistent and continued supportive role in ensuring peace in the region. Both foreign ministers agreed to remain in close contact as developments continue.
Pakistan has enhanced its diplomatic efforts over the past few days to encourage a return to the negotiation table; efforts that now appear to be paying off if the reports of Iranian FM’s arrival turn out to be correct.
On Thursday, Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, to discuss diplomatic efforts regarding the possible second round of negotiations in Islamabad.
The first round of direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8. Those discussions concluded without a formal agreement but successfully prevented a diplomatic breakdown.
Muhammad Usman Hashmi is a researcher in International Relations, focusing on climate diplomacy, global governance, and political economy in the Global South. He has contributed to policy dialogues with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics. He is also associated with Rethinking Economics Islamabad, contributing to research on development and sustainability.
