Iran FM Araghchi leaves Islamabad, heads to Moscow for talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad on Sunday for his home country after a brief but significant visit, sources said.

During his stay, Araghchi held an important meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, where detailed discussions focused on ongoing diplomatic efforts and the United States’ position on regional developments.

Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed that Araghchi would travel to Moscow for talks.

"We confirm a visit by Araghchi to Russia with the aim of holding talks," the ministry told RIA Novosti news agency, without providing further details.

Earlier, Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted Tehran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, as saying Araghchi would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday to "consult with Russian officials regarding the latest status of the negotiations, ceasefire, and surrounding developments".

State media reported that Araghchi had returned to Pakistan on Sunday following a brief visit to Muscat, arriving in the early evening as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war.

Pakistan has been playing a mediating role in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington, with diplomatic activity intensifying in recent days.

After arriving back in Islamabad, Araghchi met again with Field Marshal Asim Munir as part of continued engagements, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.

Authorities also closed Islamabad’s Express Highway, causing traffic disruptions in parts of the capital as security measures tightened around key routes.

During his previous stay in the Pakistani capital, Araghchi met Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to IRNA, the meetings focused on bilateral ties, regional developments and other matters of mutual interest.

Araghchi described his earlier visit to Pakistan as “very fruitful.”

Very fruitful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we very much value.

Shared Iran's position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy. — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 25, 2026

Tensions over diplomacy

The renewed Pakistan visit follows reported setbacks in broader diplomacy involving Iran and the United States.

Earlier, Araghchi left Pakistan after talks without a breakthrough, while U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned Islamabad visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to the information provided.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by phone that Tehran would not enter what he called “imposed negotiations” under threats or blockade, according to an Iranian government statement.

Pezeshkian said the United States should first remove what he called “operational obstacles,” including a blockade on Iranian ports, before negotiations could move forward.

An Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad said Tehran would not accept “maximalist demands” from the United States.

Wider regional strains

Trump told reporters in Florida that he canceled the envoys’ trip because the talks involved too much travel and expense for what he considered an inadequate Iranian offer.

On Truth Social, Trump said there was “tremendous infighting and confusion” within Iran’s leadership.

Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, according to his office, adding pressure to a three-week ceasefire.

The information provided said the U.S.-Iran conflict began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28, and that a ceasefire is currently in force.