Iran's foreign minister arrives in Pakistan, raising hopes for US peace talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Pakistan on Friday (April 24), as uncertainty persisted over whether stalled peace talks with the United States would resume.

Araqchi was welcomed at Nur Khan airbase outside Islamabad by senior Pakistani officials, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed Araqchi’s arrival, saying he would meet senior officials to discuss regional developments and peace efforts. Iranian state media said the visit was part of a broader regional tour that also includes Oman and Russia.

The visit comes amid conflicting signals over talks with Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters on Friday that Iran planned to make an offer aimed at satisfying U.S. demands, and said talks were expected to resume in Pakistan.

However, Pakistani sources said Araqchi was not scheduled to meet U.S. negotiators in Islamabad, while the White House said U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would depart for Pakistan on Saturday morning (April 24) for talks with the Iranian minister.

Iran and the United States had been expected to hold another round of talks earlier this week, but negotiations stalled after Iran said it was not yet ready to commit to attending.

-Jose Pablo Diaz/Reuters