Islamabad, April 26, 2026: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir in Islamabad on Sunday after returning from Oman, as regional diplomacy around the Iran–US dialogue continues to evolve.
The meeting comes at a time when Pakistan is actively seeking to keep indirect US-Iran peace efforts on track, despite U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly calling off a planned visit by his envoys.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad following high-level talks in Oman with Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, where discussions focused on security in the Strait of Hormuz and broader diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
According to Iranian state media outlet ISNA, the foreign minister is carrying Tehran’s position on a potential framework to end hostilities and restore diplomatic engagement.
Araghchi’s visit marks his second trip to Pakistan in as many days. He had earlier met senior Pakistani leadership in Islamabad before travelling to Muscat, while other Iranian officials returned to Tehran for consultations on the ongoing diplomatic process.
Before the Islamabad engagements, the White House had indicated that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner were expected to travel to the region for further negotiations. However, Trump later cancelled the trip, saying there was no value in “talking about nothing,” while still leaving room for diplomacy to continue.
He also claimed that Iran had submitted revised proposals shortly after the cancellation decision, though he did not provide details.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the decision did not signal escalation, adding that Washington had not yet decided on next steps. He later said an unrelated security incident in Washington would not deter his administration’s broader policy objectives.
During his engagements in Islamabad, Araghchi also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Pakistan is seen as playing a facilitative diplomatic role between Tehran and Western stakeholders.
Araghchi is expected to travel onward to Moscow after completing his engagements in Pakistan.
Describing his earlier visit to Islamabad as “very fruitful,” the Iranian foreign minister nevertheless expressed caution over Washington’s intentions, saying Iran would continue to assess whether the United States is genuinely committed to diplomatic engagement.
