An Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad Saturday, coinciding with the travel of Trump envoys to Pakistan for talks.
Iranian Delegation Departs Pakistan
The Iranian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left the Pakistani capital of Islamabad on Saturday, according to Reuters, citing sources within the Pakistani government. The BBC also confirmed the information, referencing Iran’s IRNA news agency.
Iranian media reports indicate Araghchi met only with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, with no meeting taking place with the U.S. delegation.
Tehran Delivers Response to U.S. Proposals
Araghchi conveyed Tehran’s response to U.S. proposals for a peace agreement to Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir on Saturday. The response includes demands from Tehran and reservations regarding Washington’s position, as reported by Reuters, citing a Pakistani official.
Iran International, referencing state television, added that the position delivered by Araghchi is “comprehensive and reflects all of Tehran’s observations.”
Trump Signals Iran’s Willingness to Talk
On Friday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced that special envoy to President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan on Saturday to discuss matters with Iranian authorities.
Trump stated that Iran wants to discuss a potential agreement and that he plans to present an offer to meet U.S. demands.
Iran Denies Direct Talks in Islamabad
Contrary to U.S. government statements, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei announced on Friday that direct talks between the two countries’ delegations would not occur in Islamabad.
Araghchi, according to the spokesperson, will meet only with high-ranking Pakistani officials before traveling to Oman and Russia to “coordinate actions with our partners, including consultations on regional events.”
Diplomatic Impasse and U.S. Exit Strategy
ANI described the current situation as a “deepening diplomatic impasse.” A spokesperson for the Iranian Defense Ministry stated on Saturday that the U.S. will seek a way to withdraw from the conflict with a semblance of success, according to AFP and Iranian media.
Previous Negotiations and Current Ceasefire
The previous round of U.S.-Iran peace negotiations took place on April 11 in Islamabad but ended without a resolution. A ceasefire between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, has been in effect, halting prior fighting.
The ceasefire expired after two weeks but was extended indefinitely by Trump.
