ISLAMABAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad for high-level talks, as the United States said its envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also heading to Pakistan, raising hopes for fresh talks on ending the US-Israeli war on Iran despite Tehran ruling out direct negotiations with Washington.
The Iranian delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, along with other senior officials, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
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
In a statement posted on X, the Foreign Office said the Iranian minister would hold meetings with Pakistan’s leadership to discuss “latest regional developments” and efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.
Dar separately said he was pleased to welcome his Iranian counterpart, adding he looked forward to “meaningful engagements aimed at promoting regional peace and stability”.
US signals talks, Iran rejects
At the same time, the White House said Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan for what it described as “direct talks” with Iranian representatives, facilitated by Islamabad.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Pakistan had been “incredible friends and mediators throughout this entire process”.
“Yes, I can confirm Special Envoy Whitkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in talks, direct talks, intermediated by the Pakistanis, who have been incredible friends and mediators throughout this entire process, with representatives from the Iranian delegation,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News.
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
However, Iran rejected the suggestion of direct engagement. Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said no meeting with US officials was planned.
We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region.
No meeting… pic.twitter.com/1vP51xIoep
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) April 24, 2026
““FM Araghchi will be meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation and good offices for ending American-imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region,” he said, adding that “No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the United States. Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan.”
Regional tour and mediation efforts
Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, said Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad forms part of a broader regional tour that includes Muscat and Moscow.
“The purpose of this trip is to hold bilateral consultations, discuss ongoing developments in the region, and review the latest situation regarding the war imposed by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran,” the agency reported.
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
Ahead of his departure, Araghchi said on X that the visit was a “timely tour” aimed at coordinating with regional partners.
“Our neighbours are our priority,” he said.
Diplomatic momentum builds
The visit follows a recent phone call between Dar and Araghchi, during which both sides discussed regional developments, a ceasefire, and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach.
Pakistan has stepped up efforts to revive US-Iran talks after an initial round of negotiations in Islamabad on April 11–12 ended without agreement, but also without collapse.
Subsequent talks have been delayed amid continued tensions, including disputes over Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a US blockade of Iranian ports.
In recent days, Pakistani officials have engaged with US diplomats to facilitate a second round of negotiations. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad to discuss the process.
US President Donald Trump has indicated that further talks could take place within days.
“It’s possible!” Trump told the New York Post when asked whether negotiations could resume in Islamabad.
