ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and early engagement to promote regional peace and stability.
Deputy PM Dar stressed that sustained diplomatic engagement was essential to promote regional peace and stability, the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Deputy PM Dar “emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and engagement at the earliest to resolve all pending issues, in order to promote regional peace and stability,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
Both leaders agreed to remain closely engaged.
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke with Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi.
DPM/FM emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and engagement at the earliest to resolve all pending issues, in order to promote regional peace and stability.… pic.twitter.com/yRLWLUf1pP
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 20, 2026
The conversation comes amid Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict between the US and Iran through diplomacy and dialogue.
Iran ‘positively’ reviewing US peace talks participation
A senior Iranian official, cited by Geo News, said on Monday that Tehran is positively reviewing its participation in potential peace talks with the US.
The Iranian official said positive efforts are underway by mediator Pakistan to end the US blockade of Iranian ports and to ensure Iran’s participation in the peace talks.
Second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad
Pakistan is set to host a second round of high-stakes talks between the US and Iran this week.
The talks, scheduled in Islamabad, follow an initial round that kept diplomatic channels open amid ongoing tensions.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have focused on Islamabad, where a second round of US–Iran talks is scheduled to commence as the US negotiation team is set to land today.
The US and Iran have privately assured participation in a second round of talks in Islamabad, despite public posturing and mixed signals from Tehran.
Officials in Islamabad said discussions are expected to focus on extending the ceasefire and moving towards a more comprehensive settlement.
Real opportunity for peace
Pakistan, which brokered the initial 14-day truce earlier this month, continues to position itself as an “honest broker”, facilitating communication between the two sides.
The first round of talks helped establish rare direct channels between Washington and Tehran, laying the groundwork for continued engagement despite ongoing tensions.
Officials said progress so far, combined with intensified diplomatic outreach, offers a realistic opportunity to sustain dialogue and prevent escalation.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also remained actively engaged, holding discussions with regional leaders and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to build support for the peace process.
US delegation to land in Islamabad within hours
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said on Monday that Vice President JD Vance and a high-level American delegation are en route to Pakistan and are expected to land in Islamabad within hours for the next round of talks with Iran.
“They’re heading over now,” Trump told the New York Post in an interview shortly after 9 a.m. EST. “They’ll be there tonight, [Islamabad] time.”
Trump confirmed that the delegation includes Vice President Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner.
Speaking in a brief interview, Trump dismissed concerns that the negotiations could collapse.
“We’re supposed to have the talks,” he said. “So I would assume at this point nobody’s playing games.”
Trump indicated he was open to a direct meeting with Iranian leaders if progress is made.
“I have no problem meeting them,” he said. “If they want to meet, and we have some very capable people, but I have no problem meeting them.”
