Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected in Islamabad as diplomatic efforts to restart stalled peace talks with the United States gather momentum, even as uncertainty lingers over how quickly negotiations can resume.
Araqchi’s visit comes days after earlier talks in the Pakistani capital collapsed without a breakthrough. This time, however, the focus appears to be on indirect engagement, with Pakistani officials expected to relay Iran’s proposals to Washington rather than host immediate face-to-face negotiations.
Sources say the Iranian delegation’s stop in Islamabad is part of a broader regional push that includes visits to Oman and Russia, aimed at aligning positions and reopening diplomatic channels.
While optimism has grown around a possible return to dialogue, there are still clear signs of caution. Pakistani officials indicated that no direct meeting between Iranian and U.S. negotiators is currently scheduled, highlighting the fragile state of the process.
At the same time, preparations for talks remain active. Security arrangements in Islamabad have been tightened, and U.S. logistical teams are already on the ground in anticipation of possible negotiations at short notice.
The renewed diplomatic push follows weeks of conflict and a shaky ceasefire that both sides are under pressure to preserve. Major sticking points remain, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and control of key regional routes.
Even so, officials on both sides have signalled that dialogue is not off the table. For now, Islamabad’s role as a mediator places it at the centre of efforts to turn cautious signals into concrete negotiations.
