US-Iran Conflict: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad, US delegation also set to depart for Pakistan, but will talks be held?
US-Iran Conflict: Amidst the current ceasefire between the United States and Iran, efforts toward dialogue have once again intensified. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has arrived in Islamabad accompanied by a delegation.
On the other hand, U.S. representatives for the talks—Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—are set to depart for Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
Araghchi not expected to meet with U.S. delegation
However, Iran's Foreign Ministry has stated that Araghchi is not expected to meet with the U.S. delegation.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry maintains that the purpose of this visit is to discuss bilateral matters.
According to the White House, President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff—accompanied by the U.S. President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner—is traveling to Pakistan on Saturday morning for peace talks with Iran.
J.D. Vance is prepared to travel to the region
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "Iran wants to talk."
She also added that if the negotiations prove successful, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is prepared to travel to the region, should the need arise following a successful outcome.
Levitt stated that Donald Trump announced his decision to send Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad so that they could "listen to Iran."
She also added that the U.S. President is "always ready to give diplomacy a chance."
Levitt further remarked that "in the last few days, we have certainly observed some progress on Iran's part."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that he and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqgchi arrived in Islamabad early Saturday morning. Araghchi is scheduled to meet with high-level Pakistani officials.
He further stated, "There are no plans for a meeting between Iran and the United States; Iran will convey its views through Pakistan."
Iran has an opportunity to strike a good deal
Prior to Esmail Baghaei's statement, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth remarked that Iran has an opportunity to strike a "good deal."
He asserted, "All they have to do is give up nuclear weapons—and do so in a concrete and verifiable manner."
During a press briefing on Friday, Hegseth also warned that the U.S. 'blockade' in the Strait of Hormuz is "expanding and taking on a global dimension."
The first round of talks, mediated by Pakistan, was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. However, it ended in stalemate.
During the five-week-long conflict between Iran and the US-Israel, a two-week ceasefire was observed, which US President Donald Trump had extended.