Iran’s Foreign Minister Arrives in Islamabad Ahead of Key Talks with U.S. As Trump Awaits Tehran’s Offer

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad with a small delegation, marking a key step toward the resumption of direct talks between Iran and the United States aimed at ending their ongoing war.

Senior government officials in Islamabad confirmed the development to Al Jazeera, noting that Araghchi’s visit follows a series of phone calls between him and Pakistani leaders on Friday. The visit is part of a broader regional tour that will see Araghchi travel to Moscow and Muscat after his stop in Pakistan.

While Iran’s state news agency IRNA described the visit as bilateral in nature—focused on talks with Pakistani officials rather than immediate negotiations with the U.S.—a Pakistani official told Al Jazeera there is now a “high likelihood of a breakthrough” between Washington and Tehran after days of escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The prospects for renewed talks had been in limbo since the first round of negotiations in Islamabad ended inconclusively two weeks prior. Iran has insisted that the U.S. Must lift a naval blockade of its ports before returning to the negotiating table. The blockade was enforced by President Donald Trump on April 13, two days after the initial talks concluded.

Trump has so far refused to lift the blockade, even after Araghchi stated that Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which it had effectively blocked for most ships since early March. A U.S. Delegation led by Vice President JD Vance had been expected to arrive in Islamabad at the start of the week for talks, but Iran declined to participate, citing the blockade as a precondition for engagement.

The White House confirmed on Friday that it is sending Middle East envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, to Pakistan to meet with Araghchi in Islamabad. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the goal is to resume negotiations to end the war with Iran, which has lasted nearly eight weeks.

Leavitt added that the administration is hopeful the talks will be productive and “move the ball forward to a deal.” She noted that while Vance will not travel to Pakistan, he remains on standby in Washington and would be dispatched if a breakthrough appears imminent.