No plan for direct talks with US: Iran

Iran has no plans to engage in direct dialogue with the United States, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said, describing Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s ongoing visit to Pakistan as part of Islamabad’s mediation efforts to ease regional tensions.

Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday (April 24) with a small delegation on an official visit.

In a statement shared on social media, Baghaei said Pakistan’s role is aimed at ending what he described as a “US-imposed conflict” and restoring stability in the region. He added that Iran’s position would be conveyed to Washington through Islamabad rather than via direct engagement.

Upon arrival, Araghchi was received by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Authorities said security across the capital has been tightened for the high-level visit.

Araghchi later held talks with Ishaq Dar at the Islamabad Serena Hotel, where earlier rounds of negotiations between Tehran and Washington had also taken place.

Tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel escalated on February 28 over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes, triggering a conflict that lasted over 40 days before a ceasefire was declared on April 8. A first round of indirect talks followed on April 11 in Islamabad, led by US Vice President J D Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Despite nearly 21 hours of negotiations, the two sides failed to reach a lasting agreement. With discussions on a second round still ongoing, Araghchi’s recent visit is seen as a renewed diplomatic push to revive stalled efforts and prevent further escalation.