Iran has made it clear that no direct engagement with US officials will take place during Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi's ongoing visit to Islamabad, despite earlier indications from Washington suggesting otherwise.
Shortly after Araghchi arrived in Pakistan, Tehran publicly clarified its position. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei confirmed on X that "no meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US". He added that any communication between the two sides would be routed through Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary.
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Baqaei also acknowledged Islamabad's role, thanking the Pakistani government for its "ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression".
We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region.
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) April 24, 2026
No meeting… pic.twitter.com/1vP51xIoep
Conflicting signals from Washington
The clarification from Tehran came after statements from the White House suggested that American envoys would meet Araghchi during the visit. According to earlier remarks, US officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were expected to hold discussions with the Iranian minister.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News, "We're hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward to a deal."
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She also noted that JD Vance remains "deeply involved" and could travel to Pakistan "if we feel it's a necessary use of his time".
Leavitt further said Vance, Marco Rubio, and the president's national security team were on "standby" if needed.
Focus on regional stability
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday and was received by senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir.
Before the visit, Araghchi had stated that discussions would centre on "bilateral matters and regional developments". Pakistan's foreign office echoed this, saying talks would address "the evolving regional situation and ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region".
The visit comes amid continued diplomatic efforts involving multiple stakeholders, though direct US-Iran engagement remains off the table for now.
