Iran FM Abbas Araghchi Leaves Pakistan Ahead of US Talks, Signals Firm Stance on Peace Negotiations
In a significant diplomatic development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed from Islamabad on Saturday, just hours before the anticipated arrival of American negotiators.
His departure comes at a delicate moment, when hopes were building around a second round of peace talks between Iran and the United States.
According to official sources, Araghchi and his delegation left Pakistan under tight security aboard a military aircraft.
He had arrived late Friday night and held a series of high-level meetings during his brief visit.
During his stay, Araghchi met with Pakistan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The discussions focused on regional stability, ongoing tensions, and the prospects of diplomatic engagement.
In an official statement, Iran acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate dialogue but made its position unmistakably clear.
Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s principled stance, stating that any imposed conflict against Iran must come to a complete end.
He also conveyed Iran’s concerns regarding recent developments linked to ceasefire discussions.
A diplomatic source in Islamabad, speaking to Reuters, noted that Iran is not prepared to accept what it sees as “maximum demands” from the United States.
This highlights the widening gap between the two sides despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Adding to the tension, Iran issued a stern warning regarding U.S. military activities in the Strait of Hormuz, cautioning that continued actions in the region could lead to serious consequences.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that U.S. representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were expected to arrive in Pakistan for talks.
However, Iran has drawn a clear red line—insisting that no negotiations will take place until sanctions or blockades imposed against it are lifted.
Pakistan, positioning itself as a diplomatic bridge, is expected to relay Iran’s conditions to the U.S. side. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that discussions with the Iranian delegation lasted over two hours.
Officials indicated that if the United States addresses Iran’s concerns and offers credible assurances, a second round of talks could eventually take place in Islamabad.
For now, the path to dialogue remains uncertain—shaped by firm positions, strategic caution, and the fragile hope of de-escalation.
