A top Iranian official is heading to Pakistan, raising the prospect of a new round of peace talks with the U.S.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is heading to Islamabad as part of a trip that will include stops in Oman and Russia.
“Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments,” Mr. Araghchi said on X. “Our neighbors are our priority.”
State-run news agency IRNA said the meetings would also delve into “the latest situation in the war imposed by the United States.”
The visit is the first tangible sign in days that Iran may send a delegation to Pakistan for renewed negotiations over ending the war.
Mr. Trump launched the military operation with Israel on Feb. 28 in a bid to keep Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran retaliated by choking off traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in global energy shocks.
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Mr. Trump is blockading Iranian ports while he waits for factions within Iran to submit a unified peace proposal to Pakistani mediators.
The president said he does not have a timetable for new talks and that he will not be rushed into a bad deal.
Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to lead negotiations with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, once they are scheduled.
Mr. Trump has said he would be willing to go to Pakistan if his presence is needed to finalize a deal.
The Washington Times reached out to the White House for comment on Mr. Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan and whether the U.S. was preparing to send a delegation.
Also Friday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
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Russia is a strategic partner to Iran.
Mr. Dar said Mr. Lavrov “appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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