Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for US-Iran ceasefire talks Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday for bilateral consultations with Pakistani leadership ahead of planned US-Iran ceasefire negotiations. The visit comes as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prepare to travel to Pakistan for direct discussions with the Iranian delegation. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Araghchi’s arrival, stating the Iranian delegation would meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces. Discussions will focus on regional developments and efforts to advance a second round of US-Iran peace talks. US special envoys Witkoff and Kushner are expected in Pakistan on Saturday to continue negotiations with Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the plan to Fox News, noting that a US logistics and security team was already in Islamabad to support the process. Following consultations with Pakistan’s mediation team, a second round of US-Iran peace talks was anticipated in Islamabad. Pakistani officials indicated the timing depended on reaching an understanding with Iran after establishing a framework for discussions. Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency confirmed Araghchi was heading to Pakistan for “bilateral consultations,” though Iranian officials later stated no direct talks with US negotiators were planned in Islamabad. The White House maintained that its envoys would meet Araghchi during the visit. Vice President JD Vance will not be traveling to Pakistan as part of the US delegation, according to White House officials. The negotiations aim to address ongoing tensions, particularly regarding Iran’s activities in the Strait of Hormuz, where the US has ordered military forces to “shoot and kill” minor Iranian boats deploying mines to disrupt traffic.
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