No Direct Iran-US Talks: Tehran Opts for Pakistan Channel as Delegation Arrives

Islamabad: The second round of talks between the US and Iran is resuming. The Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad for these talks, which will be mediated by Pakistan. The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while JD Vance is not part of the US delegation this time.  However, a top Iranian official confirmed that there will be no direct US-Iran talks this time, with Pakistan conveying Tehran's concerns and position to Washington through an indirect channel.

When did Iranian delegation arrive?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday with a senior delegation that will seek to restart stalled talks between Iran and the United States, which are also being facilitated by Pakistan. During his visit, Araghchi is expected to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, officials said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared photos with the Iranian delegation led by Araghchi, who arrived in Islamabad, showing Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcoming the Iranian leaders. 

Taking to X, he wrote, "Pleased to receive and welcome my brother, Foreign Minister of Iran, H. E. Abbas Araghchi, to Islamabad, alongside Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Look forward to our meaningful engagements aimed at promoting regional peace and stability."

Did Iran refuse for direct talks?

The Iranian Foreign Ministry in a post stated that there are no plans for direct talks between the US and Iran. 

Esmaeil Baqaei, Head of the Centre for Public Diplomacy and spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said in a post on X that an Iranian delegation had arrived in Islamabad for an official visit.

He said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would hold talks with Pakistani leaders aimed at ending the war imposed by the US on Tehran. Baqai clarified that there are no plans for any Iran-US meeting. He said Iran's proposal would be conveyed to the US through Pakistan. 

When will the US delegation arrive?

A US delegation is expected to arrive in Islamabad. The US is also preparing for diplomatic outreach, including Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who may travel to Islamabad for discussions. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the talks will be in-person, but Pakistan will mediate. She added that Vice President J.D. Vance will be involved in the talks from Washington, coordinating with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the national security team.

What did Trump say about demands?

Ahead of talks in Pakistan, US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran is preparing to make a proposal aimed at meeting US demands. 

"They're making an offer and we’ll have to see," said Trump, adding that he is yet to learn the details of the proposal.