25.04.2026 07:50
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. US President Donald Trump stated, 'Iran wants to negotiate with us.' While Iran's Foreign Ministry said, 'No talks with the US are planned,' members of the US delegation Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to travel to Islamabad.
An official statement has been issued by Iran regarding the alleged possible negotiations with the US, claimed to take place in Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Baghai announced on social media that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his accompanying delegation have arrived in Islamabad, the capital of the country, to meet with senior Pakistani officials.
NO MEETING PLANNED WITH THE US
Providing information about the purpose of the visit, Baghai stated, "Foreign Minister Araghchi will meet with senior Pakistani officials within the framework of Pakistan's ongoing mediation and goodwill efforts to end the aggressive war imposed by the US and to re-establish peace in our region. No meeting has been planned between Iran and the US. During the contacts, Iran's observations will be conveyed to Pakistan."
IRANIAN PRESS HAD DENIED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE US
Earlier in the day, the Iranian press reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. It was claimed that reports suggesting Araghchi would meet with US officials there were "untrue" and aimed at manipulating public opinion. The report stated, "There are currently no negotiations on the agenda with the US. Araghchi will not hold any meetings with US officials in Islamabad. As part of the visit, Araghchi is expected to discuss Iran's assessments regarding the end of the war with the Pakistani side."
TRUMP: IRAN WANTS TO TALK TO US
US President Donald Trump, in a statement to Reuters, said, "Iran wants to talk to us; they want to see if they can make a deal."
Trump added that officials are currently in talks with Iran, stating, "Iran is working on a plan to address our demands."
WHITE HOUSE: DELEGATION IS ON STANDBY
The White House announced that Witkoff and Kushner will be on standby in the US to fly to Pakistan. It was stated, "Iran contacted us and requested a face-to-face meeting."
HEGSETH: TIME IS WORKING AGAINST IRAN
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made a speech following the recent developments.
Speaking about the Iranian blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth said, "All ships coming from Iranian ports are being turned back. So far, 34 ships have been turned back. We are allowing ships from other countries to pass through. We are seizing ships on the sanctions list and will continue to do so."
Referring to peace talks, the US Secretary added, "Time is working against Iran; they still have opportunities to make a smart deal. Iran can either make a historic agreement or watch its fragile economy collapse, the ball is in their court."