Iran's foreign minister to visit Pakistan tonight for fresh talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad tonight, according to Pakistani government sources. The trip comes as diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States remain stalled, with Tehran insisting on the lifting of a naval blockade before any new round of talks.

Araghchi has held telephone conversations with Pakistan's military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Pakistan's foreign ministry confirmed that both sides discussed the regional situation, the current ceasefire, and the ongoing diplomatic activities between Iran and the US, according to a media report.

The planned second round of talks between the US and Iran was expected to take place in Islamabad last week but did not materialise after Iranian delegates refused to participate. Iran has placed a condition on future negotiations, saying the US must first lift its naval blockade before Tehran sends its representatives to Islamabad.

Earlier this week, at least nine US aircraft landed in Islamabad carrying communication equipment, bulletproof vehicles, security personnel and technical staff.

A ceasefire between the two countries came into effect on April 8, followed by a long meeting in Islamabad on April 11. However, the two sides failed to reach any agreement. The two-week ceasefire expired on April 22, though US President Donald Trump later announced an indefinite extension. However, Trump also warned that if Iran does not agree to a deal under Washington's terms, all of Iran's power plants and bridges will be destroyed.