Iran Foreign Minister Returns to Pakistan After Oman Trip, Keeping Peace Talks in Play

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading negotiations with the US on ending the war, is set to return to Pakistan after visiting Oman and rejoin the negotiating team. Weekend talks have effectively fallen through, but the possibility of restarting negotiations remains.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported on April 26 that Araghchi would return to Islamabad after finishing his schedule in Oman and rejoin the delegation there. His original itinerary included Pakistan, Oman and Russia, but was later changed so that he would head back to Pakistan after Oman.

The delegation is also operating flexibly. Some members returned to Tehran to discuss ceasefire terms and are scheduled to rejoin the group in Islamabad on the night of April 26.

Hopes for talks had risen earlier. Araghchi visited Pakistan on April 24 and met senior military officials, prompting speculation that a second round of ceasefire negotiations could be held on April 27. But after delivering Iran's demands, he traveled to Oman, while the US canceled plans to send its delegation, effectively derailing weekend talks.

Even so, momentum for negotiations has not disappeared. President Donald Trump said talks could take place at any time if Iran wanted dialogue. Shortly after the US delegation was canceled, he also said he had received a better new proposal, signaling that Iran had made an offer.

The purpose of Araghchi's return to Pakistan has not been officially confirmed. Still, the prospect of renewed talks remains alive as the US keeps the door open to negotiations and Pakistan continues to play a mediating role.

The US is also keeping negotiation channels open. The possible dispatch of Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff has been under review, and Vice President JD Vance has also been mentioned as a potential participant if talks advance.

Lee Song-ryeol, Hankyung.com reporter yisr0203@hankyung.com