Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed on Monday that he discussed the “path and conditions” for continued dialogue with the United States (US) during consultations with Pakistani officials in Islamabad.
Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan is part of a regional tour that included stops in Oman and Russia.
Araghchi arrived in Saint Petersburg on Monday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to coordinate on regional developments and the current situation surrounding the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Abbas Araghchi, after a strong handshake, that Russia would make every effort to help secure peace in the Middle East, according to AFP citing Russian media.
“For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests, the interests of all the people of the region, so that peace can be achieved as soon as possible,” Putin said during the meeting, as quoted by state media.
He also praised Iran’s resilience, saying “how courageously and heroically the people of Iran are fighting for their independence and sovereignty,” according to a news agency.
Earlier speaking via his Telegram account, the Iranian minister described the diplomatic engagements in Islamabad and Muscat as bilateral.
He noted that Pakistan has played a significant role in mediating negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
“It was necessary for us to discuss the latest developments,” Araghchi stated. He added that while progress had been made in previous discussions, “wrong approaches and excessive demands” from the US prevented those talks from achieving their goals.
The foreign minister described the trip to Pakistan as successful, noting that both sides reviewed recent events to determine how negotiations might proceed. Araghchi also referenced “40 days of heroic resistance” by the Iranian people as a factor in securing the country’s interests and rights.
The diplomatic push comes as mediators attempt to maintain peace efforts despite the cancellation of planned face-to-face talks. US President Donald Trump recently scrapped a scheduled trip to Islamabad for his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Trump later told Fox News that future talks would be held remotely.
“We are going to do it by telephone,” Trump said, adding that the US holds a strong negotiating position and would not send representatives on an 18-hour journey. He clarified that the change in format does not signal a return to hostilities but emphasised that Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon.
Trump also expressed “great respect for Pakistan” and confirmed Islamabad would remain involved in the process.
Meanwhile, reports from the Fars news agency indicate that Iran has sent “written messages” to the US through Pakistani mediators.
These messages reportedly outline red lines regarding nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz.
While the messages are not considered part of formal negotiations, Axios reported that Iran has proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the conflict, suggesting that nuclear talks be delayed to a later stage.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts in facilitating the dialogue.
Araghchi has since arrived in Saint Petersburg to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to coordinate on regional developments and the current situation surrounding the conflict.
