Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Left Islamabad Even Before US Delegation Arrived. Here's Why

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 00:18 IST

Araghchi’s exit has ruled out the possibility of any fresh engagement between the two sides in Islamabad during this round of diplomacy.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad on Saturday, even before the arrival of the US delegation. He held meetings with Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Army Chief Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to state-run Pakistan Television (PTV), the discussions reportedly focused on the evolving situation in West Asia and bilateral and regional developments.

The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that both Dar and Munir were present in the meeting with Araghchi, while the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan acknowledged the meeting with the army chief in a post on X, without disclosing further details of the discussions.

Before and during the visit, Iran repeatedly signalled that Araghchi’s trip was focused on meetings with Pakistani officials, not direct negotiations with the US. Iranian officials publicly said no US meeting was scheduled in Islamabad.

Araghchi’s departure comes ahead of the anticipated arrival of US envoys for indirect negotiations with Iranian representatives. His exit has now ruled out the possibility of any fresh engagement between the two sides in Islamabad during this round of diplomacy.

Trump Cancels American Delegation’s Trip To Pakistan

Following Araghchi’s departure, Trump also called off Witkoff and Kushner’s trip to Pakistan, he said in a Truth Social post.

“Too much time wasted on travelling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership,'" Trump wrote. “Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!"

This visit marked the second phase of ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran, following an earlier round held on April 11–12, which ended without a breakthrough agreement.

Araghchi is now travelling to Oman as part of a broader three-nation diplomatic tour, where further regional consultations are expected.

While reports cited by state media describe broader geopolitical tensions in West Asia as the backdrop to the talks, officials have not confirmed any specific breakthroughs or agreements during the Islamabad meetings.

News world Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Left Islamabad Even Before US Delegation Arrived. Here's Why

Read More