Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday for meetings with Pakistani officials, while Iran said it has no plans for talks with US representatives, despite Washington expectations of a possible Iranian proposal.
Araqchi arrived in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Friday to discuss proposals for restarting peace talks with the United States, raising fresh hopes for an end to the eight-week war that has killed thousands and unsettled global markets, Reuters reported.
US President Donald Trump told Reuters on Friday that Iran was preparing to present an offer intended to address Washington’s demands, though he said he was not yet aware of its details.
When asked who the United States was negotiating with, Trump said: “I don’t want to say that, but we’re dealing with the people that are in charge now.”
However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on X that Iranian officials had no plans to meet US representatives, despite reports that US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Islamabad. The spokesperson added that Iran’s concerns would instead be communicated through Pakistan.
Earlier, before the Iranian statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Witkoff and Kushner would depart for Pakistan on Saturday morning for discussions with Araqchi.
Leavitt expressed optimism, saying the United States had observed some progress from the Iranian side in recent days and hoped for further developments over the weekend.
She also said US Vice President JD Vance, who led an earlier round of unsuccessful talks with Iran this month aimed at ending the conflict, was prepared to travel to Pakistan if needed.
Pakistani sources had earlier indicated that a US logistics and security team was already stationed in Islamabad in preparation for possible talks.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed Araqchi’s arrival in Islamabad, where heightened military and paramilitary security was visible across central areas of the city.
Araqchi wrote on X that his regional visit would include Pakistan, Oman and Russia to coordinate with partners on bilateral issues and consult on regional developments.
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson later told state media that the tour would also include consultations on the latest efforts to end the war.
PAN Monitor/sa
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