ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held meetings in Islamabad early Saturday with Pakistan’s top leadership, underscoring Tehran’s reliance on Islamabad’s mediation efforts while firmly ruling out any direct engagement with the United States.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad Friday-Saturday night, where he was received at the airport by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. His reception by both civilian and military leadership highlighted the importance Islamabad attaches to the visit amid heightened regional tensions.
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Commenting on this, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Araghchi’s visit was aimed at consultations with “Pakistani high‑level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation and good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region.” He added that “no meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S.,” stressing that Iran’s observations would instead be conveyed to Pakistan.
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… pic.twitter.com/1vP51xIoep
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) April 24, 2026
It is pertinent to mention here that the Iranian delegation’s arrival comes at a time when Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic outreach to defuse confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad has repeatedly signaled its willingness to act as a mediator, though prospects for substantive progress remain uncertain given Iran’s refusal to engage directly with the U.S. side.
Observers note that Araghchi’s consultations in Islamabad may help Pakistan refine its role as interlocutor, but the absence of face‑to‑face dialogue between Iran and America continues to cast doubt on the immediate prospects for de‑escalation.
