No Direct US-Iran Talks For Now: Iranian FM Leaves Islamabad After Meeting Pakistani Leadership

Last Updated:April 25, 2026, 21:30 IST

Araghchi departed from Islamabad after concluding his one-day visit, where he held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and others.

The prospect of direct US-Iran talks remains uncertain as the Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed from Iran after holding discussions with Pakistan’s leadership on Saturday.

Araghchi departed from Islamabad after concluding his one-day visit, where he held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir. He also delivered Iran’s list of demands and reservations for ending the US-Israeli war, which began on February 28.

The Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region before leaving for Muscat. Officials said he is expected to return to Islamabad, as the US delegation comprising special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is set to arrive on Monday.

Intel reports suggested that Araghchi is using a Pakistani military plane for his trip to Oman from Nur Khan airbase.

Taking to X, Shehbaz Sharif said, “Was pleased to meet H.E. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, and his delegation in Islamabad today. Had a most warm, cordial exchange of views on the current regional situation. We also discussed matters of mutual interest, including the further strengthening of Pakistan–Iran bilateral relations."

What Did Iran Say?

Iran has so far ruled out direct talks as the US extended a two-week ceasefire, but refused to remove the Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by closing the critical chokepoint for oil and gas supplies and warned that Washington will face the “reaction of Iran’s powerful armed forces" if the blockade of Iranian ports continues.

Details about Araghchi’s meeting with the Pakistani leadership are scant, although reports suggested he conveyed that Tehran won’t accept “maximalist" demands from the US.

Prior to Araghchi’s arrival, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson posted on X that Iranian officials did not plan to meet US representatives and that Tehran’s concerns would be conveyed to mediator Pakistan.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US had seen some progress from the Iranian side in recent days and hoped more would come this weekend, while Vice President JD Vance was ready to travel to Pakistan as well.

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