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Open Chronicle | Diplomacy & Geopolitics
Iran’s top diplomat has arrived in Pakistan for a new round of mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions with the United States, but Tehran has made clear it will not engage in direct negotiations.
Abbas Araghchi landed in Islamabad on Friday and quickly began a series of high-level meetings with Pakistani leadership. He held talks with Ishaq Dar and Asim Munir, followed by further discussions with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday.
Despite the diplomatic activity, Iran’s foreign ministry emphasized that any engagement with Washington would remain indirect. Messages between Tehran and the U.S. are expected to be conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries rather than face-to-face discussions.
A U.S. delegation, including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to arrive in Pakistan as part of the same effort. JD Vance will not attend initially but is said to remain on standby should his presence become necessary.
Pakistan has taken on a central mediating role in attempts to de-escalate the conflict, hosting an earlier round of talks that ended without a breakthrough. The lack of progress contributed to Iran’s initial hesitation to return for further negotiations.
Security across Islamabad has been significantly tightened ahead of the meetings. Authorities deployed police and military personnel throughout the capital, established checkpoints, and restricted access to key areas, particularly around the diplomatic zone where discussions are expected to take place.
Meanwhile, Iran has taken a tentative step toward normalcy by resuming limited commercial flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport. Flights to destinations including Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina departed on Saturday, marking the first such operations since hostilities began in late February.
Iran’s airspace has remained largely closed during the conflict, with only partial reopening following the initial ceasefire earlier this month.
The renewed diplomatic push comes at a fragile moment, as both sides weigh the possibility of further escalation against the uncertain prospects for a negotiated settlement.