ISLAMABAD, April 24: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he is travelling to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia for consultations aimed at coordinating bilateral ties and discussing regional developments, raising expectations of renewed efforts to restart Iran–US peace talks.
In a post on X, Araghchi said the visit is focused on “closely coordinating with partners” and prioritising neighbouring countries amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Iran’s state media reported that he will lead a small delegation to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow for discussions on regional stability and the latest developments in the war involving Iran and the United States.
A senior Pakistani official said Araghchi is expected in Islamabad, where talks with Pakistan’s mediation team could help pave the way for a second round of Iran–US negotiations.
The official suggested that a US delegation may follow, depending on progress in discussions. Pakistan has been playing a key mediating role and has also held separate consultations with US officials.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently spoke with Araghchi, where both sides discussed ceasefire efforts and diplomatic engagement.
Pakistan’s army chief was also reportedly in contact with the Iranian side, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, the United States has maintained a strong military presence in the region.
US Central Command confirmed deployment of three aircraft carriers—the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford, and USS George H.W. Bush—with over 200 aircraft and 15,000 personnel. Washington has also intensified maritime restrictions, turning back dozens of vessels in the region.
US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, reiterated warnings against Iranian naval activity near the Strait of Hormuz, while former President Donald Trump claimed the US had “total control” over the strategic waterway and extended a ceasefire timeline to allow further negotiations.
Iranian officials pushed back strongly against US statements. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf rejected claims of internal divisions, asserting national unity under Iran’s leadership.
Iranian Foreign Ministry officials also criticised US rhetoric, accusing Washington of promoting violence and destabilisation.
Diplomatic activity is also accompanied by heightened security in Islamabad, where preparations for possible talks have led to road closures, suspension of public transport, and deployment of over 10,000 security personnel.
The conflict, which began with a joint US-Israel strike on Iran, has escalated into a broader regional war affecting Gulf stability.
While earlier Iran–US talks failed to produce a breakthrough, ongoing mediation efforts by Pakistan and continued diplomatic exchanges have revived cautious hopes for renewed negotiations, though no official date has been confirmed. (AP)
