Islamabad [Pakistan], April 25 (ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, as an Iranian delegation reached the Pakistani capital amid a “deepening diplomatic deadlock” with the United States.
The high-level meeting took place while the city remained under a “suffocating security lockdown,” with authorities sealing major arterial roads and placing the high-security Red Zone under a “strict cordon.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar posted on social media that he was pleased to “receive and welcome my brother, Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, to Islamabad,” adding that he looked forward to “meaningful engagements aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.”
The visit comes as the White House announced envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would head to the region for potential talks with Iran, but Tehran has been firm, asserting it would “not be meeting” with the US.
The diplomatic standoff has slowed Islamabad’s commercial life, with markets in the Blue Area largely deserted and public transport networks crippled. Local residents are reportedly facing growing commodity shortages and the psychological strain of prolonged uncertainty.
This wave of restrictions follows a similar shutdown on April 11-12 during the inaugural session of discussions, which ended without a breakthrough.
The diplomatic friction centers on a deadlock over three primary issues: Tehran’s highly enriched uranium (HEU) and the future of its nuclear ambitions, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.
While the White House has said envoys are prepared for an “in-person conversation,” Tehran’s state media rejected that claim, insisting direct negotiations were “not in the cards.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed two envoys are slated to meet Araghchi, saying, “We’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward to a deal.” She added that although Vice President JD Vance would not travel to the site, he remains “deeply involved.”
Reflecting on past talks, US Vice President JD Vance said “21 hours of intense negotiations” previously yielded no breakthrough. “Their nuclear program and the enrichment facilities they had before have been destroyed. But we do not see a commitment to not develop more nuclear weapons,” Vance remarked.
These discussions represent some of the highest diplomatic engagements since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Attempts to resume dialogue have stalled as Tehran refuses to return to the table while a US naval blockade remains active at its ports. In retaliation, Iran has enforced a “de facto blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz, severely restricting maritime traffic and unsettling global markets.
Amid the stalemate, Washington has continued a military build-up in the Middle East with the arrival of the USS George HW Bush, the third US aircraft carrier deployed to the region. The US has also increased economic pressure, imposing fresh sanctions on a major Chinese oil refinery and about 40 shipping firms and tankers linked to the transport of Iranian crude.
According to the Foreign Office, “during the visit, the Iranian foreign minister will hold meetings with Pakistan’s senior leadership to discuss the latest regional developments as well as ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability,” even as the capital stays in a state of “suspended animation” with no confirmation yet on whether fresh talks will materialise. (ANI)
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