Iran's FM Araghchi Set to Visit Pakistan in Bid to Revive US Negotiations

Post by : Bianca Hayes

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is projected to head to Pakistan this weekend for crucial discussions aimed at reigniting the stalled talks between Iran and the United States, as reported by two Pakistani sources.

Officials indicate that Araghchi could land as soon as Friday with a small delegation from the Iranian government. However, there has been no official confirmation of the visit from Iran yet.

Pakistan is actively pursuing the restart of diplomatic dialogues that were anticipated to occur earlier this week but did not happen. Islamabad is making efforts to de-escalate tensions and encourage both Iran and the US to return to negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict, which has led to significant casualties and instability in the Middle East.

The current conflict has claimed thousands of lives, disrupted energy supply chains, and heightened pressure on global oil markets.

In a related update, the White House has announced that US President Donald Trump has decided to extend the Jones Act waiver for another 90 days. This decision will enable non-American vessels to transport oil and gas more conveniently during the prevailing crisis, aimed at stabilizing global energy supplies affected by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, a 60-day waiver was issued, which was perceived as beneficial in managing rising fuel costs and improving oil transportation.

A White House spokesperson noted that recent data indicated an increase in oil supply reaching US ports faster than initially projected.

Following this announcement, Brent crude oil prices dropped to approximately $104 per barrel after exceeding $107 temporarily. Prices have surged significantly since the onset of the conflict earlier this year.

Pakistan has been playing a pivotal mediating role, with Araghchi recently engaging in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Discussions have centered on the ceasefire and initiatives to resume US-Iran communications.

According to statements from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, both parties engaged in discussions regarding regional affairs and underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue to restore peace and stability.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain elevated, a vital maritime route for oil and gas. Reports indicate Iran has targeted several vessels, while US forces continue to uphold a robust military posture in the region.

Currently, the United States has three aircraft carriers stationed in the area, including the USS George H.W. Bush, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Gerald R. Ford — the first occasion since 2003 when three US carrier groups are simultaneously operational in the region.

The ongoing conflict has led to severe casualties, including reports of over 3,300 deaths in Iran, more than 2,200 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and several in Gulf nations. Both military personnel and civilians continue to suffer from the enduring fighting across various fronts.

Current diplomatic initiatives are concentrated on averting further escalation and bringing all parties back to the negotiation table.

April 24, 2026 6:09 p.m. 118

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