Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed from Islamabad amid uncertainties about the potential second round of talks with the United States.
He is expected to arrive in Muscat to discuss the situation in Strait of Hormuz and later visit Moscow to coordinate regarding defence and strategic ties. Araghchi said he will "closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments."
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Araghchi on Saturday met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir in separate meetings. A video posted by the Iranian embassy on social media showed Asim Munir speaking with Araghchi as well as Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, and ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam.
Earlier, sources quoted by Reuters revealed that Araghchi delivered Tehran's negotiating demands and its reservations about Washington's demands to Pakistani officials.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Baqaei said "Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan," adding that no meeting was planned to take place between Tehran and Washington.
This contradicts White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's statement that US Special Envoy on the Middle East Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's adviser Jared Kushner would leave for Pakistan on Saturday "to engage in direct talks" with the Iranian delegation. However, the US team were yet to arrive in Islamabad when this article was published.
Reports have suggested that the US delegation expected to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday will respond to the demands put forth by the Iranian leadership. "They’re making an offer and we’ll have to see," Trump said in a phone interview with Reuters.
The US expects Iran to give up its enriched uranium and call off the blockade on vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
