No Direct Iran-US Talks: Tehran To Engage Via Pakistan As Araghchi Arrives In Islamabad

Last Updated:April 25, 2026, 07:29 IST

Iran rules out direct talks with US as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visits Islamabad. Pakistan mediates between Tehran and Washington amid West Asia war tensions.

With a second round of negotiations on the West Asia war all set to begin in Islamabad, Iran made it clear that no direct meeting with the United States is on the cards. Instead, Tehran said its views would be communicated to Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary in efforts to revive stalled diplomacy.

Iranian delegation in Islamabad

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reached Islamabad with a senior delegation, signalling a renewed diplomatic push after earlier talks failed to produce results. The visit comes as Pakistan steps up its role in mediating between Tehran and Washington.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry and head of its Centre for Public Diplomacy, confirmed the visit in a post on X. He said Araghchi would hold discussions with senior Pakistani officials as part of ongoing mediation efforts.

Baqaei described the conflict as an “American-imposed war of aggression" and said the goal of the visit was to help restore peace in the region. He also made it clear that no meeting was planned between Iran and the United States during this visit. Iran’s position, he said, would instead be conveyed to Pakistani authorities.

“We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region. No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran’s observations would be conveyed to Pakistan," said Baqaei.

Iran rules out direct negotiations with US

Iranian political analyst Seyed Mohammad Marandi reinforced this position, stating that Araghchi would not engage in any talks with representatives of the Trump administration while in Islamabad.

According to Marandi, the visit is meant only to pass on Iran’s views regarding how the war could end. He said the meeting follows Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran.

Marandi also rejected reports suggesting that direct talks between Iran and the United States were planned. He claimed that such reports were being spread by the White House and US media to later accuse Iran of breaking promises and justify further action. He added that Iran remains prepared.

US position

While Iran has denied any direct engagement, the United States is also preparing for diplomatic outreach. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Islamabad for discussions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that talks would be conducted directly but with Pakistan’s facilitation. She added that Vice President JD Vance would remain in Washington and coordinate closely with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the broader national security team.

Pakistan as mediator

Pakistan has taken an active role in bringing the two sides closer. The country’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared images of Araghchi’s arrival on social media, showing him receiving the Iranian delegation alongside Field Marshal Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The developments underline Pakistan’s growing importance as a mediator at a time when both sides are under pressure to avoid further escalation.

Trump signals possible Iranian offer

US President Donald Trump said that Iran is preparing to present an offer aimed at meeting Washington’s demands. Speaking in an interview, he said, “They’re making an offer and we’ll have to see," while noting that details of the proposal were not yet known.

Trump reiterated that any deal must satisfy key US conditions. These include Iran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium and ensuring the free movement of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

He also pointed to uncertainty within Iran’s leadership, saying US officials are dealing with “the people who are in charge now," without giving further details.

The expected proposal comes at a time when a ceasefire is in place, though tensions remain high. The United States continues to apply economic pressure, including a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

This blockade in Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue, with Iran demanding its removal as a condition for further negotiations. Despite this, diplomatic activity has picked up, with Islamabad emerging as the main venue for efforts to restart dialogue.

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