Iranian delegation expected to arrive later tonight, Pakistani sources say

An Iranian delegation is expected to arrive in Islamabad later tonight, Pakistani sources said on Friday

The development comes hours after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a phone call, exchanged views on the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, the Foreign Office (FO).

In a post on X, FO said, “Both sides exchanged views on regional developments, the ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic efforts being pursued by Islamabad in the context of US-Iran engagement”.

It added that Dar, for his part, stressed the importance of “sustained dialogue and engagement to address outstanding issues, in order to advance regional peace and stability at the earliest”.

While his Iranian counterpart lauded “Pakistan’s consistent and constructive facilitation role in this regard”.

FO added that the two leaders agreed to remain in “close contact”.

Over the past few days, Pakistan has ramped up its diplomatic efforts to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiation table.

However, the expected second round of negotiations — to be held in Islamabad — has witnessed a delay due to continued friction between the US and Iran, particularly regarding Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iran’s ports.

On Thursday, Naqvi held an “important meeting” with US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, in Islamabad, where the two discussed diplomatic efforts regarding the possible second round of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad.

On Wednesday, Trump had hoped that a second round of talks could take place within two to three days, despite persistent mistrust.

“It’s possible!” Trump reportedly told the New York Post by text message, after the newspaper reached out to him to confirm whether the talks were “expected in Islamabad within the next 36 to 72 hours”.

However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei did not give a clear answer on resuming talks with the US.

The first round of historic direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8.

It had ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown.