Pakistan PM meets Iran FM ahead of non-direct talks in Islamabad
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- US envoys travel to Islamabad for talks with Iran
- Tehran says it will not meet American officials directly
- Conflict enters ninth week, disrupting global markets
US negotiators are set to travel to Pakistan for talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran, now in its ninth week, according to Reuters.
The President of the United States’ envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected to lead discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad, as part of mediation efforts led by Pakistan.
Diplomatic meeting in Islamabad
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation at his residence in Islamabad on Saturday, according to official statements.
The meeting focused on regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
Iran rejects direct talks
However, Iran said its officials do not plan to meet US representatives directly, according to Reuters. A foreign ministry spokesperson stated that Tehran would instead communicate its position through Pakistani mediators.
Despite this, US officials signaled cautious optimism. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still has a chance to reach a “good deal” if it abandons its nuclear ambitions in a verifiable way.
Ceasefire window and rising pressure
Trump recently extended a two-week ceasefire to allow time for renewed negotiations. He also indicated that Iran may present a proposal, though details remain unclear.
The conflict has heavily impacted global markets, with Iran largely closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, while the US continues to block Iranian oil exports.
Economic and travel disruptions
The standoff has driven energy prices to multi-year highs and disrupted international aviation, with tens of thousands of flights canceled or rerouted due to security risks.
Flights resumed from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport following the ceasefire, with passengers traveling to destinations including Medina, Muscat, and Istanbul.
Regional developments
Iran’s foreign minister has been engaged in regional diplomacy, meeting Pakistani officials in Islamabad and planning visits to Oman and Russia.
Meanwhile, tensions persist across the region, including continued clashes in southern Lebanon despite a temporary ceasefire extension.
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly reduced, with only a handful of vessels crossing daily compared to pre-war levels.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue, with uncertainty surrounding whether negotiations will lead to a breakthrough.
