Iran FM Araghchi likely to visit Islamabad tonight amid push for US-Iran talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad late Friday, accompanied by a small delegation, according to government sources, as Pakistan intensifies efforts to mediate between Tehran and Washington.

Sources said important discussions are anticipated between the Iranian side and Pakistan’s mediation team. The engagements could pave the way for a second round of peace negotiations between the United States and Iran to be held in Islamabad.

Government sources said U.S. logistics and security teams are already present in the federal capital to facilitate the anticipated negotiation process, signaling growing momentum toward renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential mediator in efforts to de-escalate tensions involving Iran and its adversaries, although progress has been uneven. After a first round of talks on April 11, Tehran has yet to confirm participation in a second session expected in Islamabad.

Heightened security has remained in place in the capital for several days amid expectations that talks could resume.

Meanwhile, Iran state media confirmed that Foreign Minister Araghchi would travel to Pakistan, which has been mediating between the Islamic republic and the United States in a bid to end the Middle East war.

"Iran's Foreign Minister will begin a regional tour on Friday evening, April 24, travelling to Islamabad, Muscat and Moscow," the official IRNA news agency said, after a Pakistani official disclosed the visit.

"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."

Earlier in the day, Araghchi spoke by phone with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as Islamabad stepped up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions linked to the broader Middle East conflict.

According to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, Araghchi and Dar discussed the ongoing conflict, a fragile ceasefire and wider regional developments, as well as diplomatic efforts being pursued by Islamabad in the context of engagement between the United States and Iran.

Separately, AFP and Iranian media reported that Araghchi also held a phone call with Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, though there has been no official confirmation from Islamabad.

Regional tensions remain high. Israel and Lebanon have extended a fragile ceasefire by three weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier in the day.