Diplomacy through generals? Iran FM meets Pakistan Army chief as US talks remain off track
Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir in Islamabad on Saturday, as Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States.
The meeting, confirmed through a brief video shared by the Iranian embassy, was also attended by Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei and Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam. No official details were released regarding the discussions.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday for high-level engagements with Pakistani leadership. He was received by senior officials, including Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Focus on US-Iran engagement
Despite heightened expectations, Iranian officials clarified that no direct meeting between Iran and the United States is currently scheduled during the visit. Tehran indicated that its views would instead be communicated through Pakistani channels.
Before departing for the regional tour, Araghchi said his visits to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow were aimed at coordinating with partners on bilateral issues and consulting on broader regional developments. He emphasised that neighbouring countries remain a priority in Iran’s foreign policy approach.
Meanwhile, the United States signalled possible diplomatic engagement, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Pakistan for talks with Iranian representatives. However, their arrival had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Pakistan’s mediation role
Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator amid rising tensions between Iran and the US. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic contacts would lead to “meaningful engagements” and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Earlier rounds of US-Iran talks held in April failed to produce a breakthrough, prompting renewed diplomatic outreach. Islamabad’s efforts are seen as part of a broader attempt to reduce tensions and revive dialogue between the two sides.
Background: rising regional tensions
The current diplomatic activity follows escalating conflict in the region. The Iran war began on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes, leading to heightened instability across West Asia.
In a recent development, US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, providing additional time for negotiations and the possibility of a revised proposal from Tehran.
While uncertainty remains over whether direct talks will materialise during Araghchi’s visit, the meeting in Islamabad underscores ongoing efforts by regional and global actors to prevent further escalation and reopen diplomatic channels.
(With PTI inputs)