The Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi is expected to return to Pakistan after concluding his visit to Muscat today, Sunday, following his earlier departure on Saturday amid diplomatic efforts to end the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
In this context, an Iranian diplomat and other informed sources revealed that if Araghchi concludes that an agreement can be reached after consulting with mediators, the Iranian and American delegations may meet in the coming days, according to The Wall Street Journal.
In Muscat
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said met with Iran’s Foreign Minister, with discussions focused on “consultations regarding developments in the region, mediation efforts, and initiatives aimed at ending conflicts.”
The Sultan of Oman was briefed on the Iranian side’s views regarding these developments. Araghchi also heard the Omani perspective on ways to advance these efforts in a manner that enhances the prospects for reaching sustainable political solutions and limits the repercussions of crises on the peoples of the region, according to the Oman News Agency.
The Sultan stressed “the importance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy in addressing issues, contributing to strengthening the foundations of peace.”
For his part, Araghchi expressed Iran’s appreciation for Oman’s positions in supporting dialogue efforts and promoting security and stability in the region, especially amid current regional challenges.
Araghchi had left Islamabad on Saturday after discussions with Pakistani officials. IRNA reported that Araghchi met with senior Pakistani officials and discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.
Araghchi in Pakistan. (AFP)
He wrote via the platform “X”: “A highly fruitful visit to Pakistan, which we greatly appreciate for its good intentions and fraternal efforts to restore peace in our region,” adding: “I presented Iran’s perspective on a framework to permanently end the war on Iran. We need to see if the United States is genuinely serious about diplomacy.”
Shortly after the conclusion of Araghchi’s visit, U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday canceled a planned visit by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, affirming that this did not necessarily mean a resumption of war with the Islamic Republic.
He said in press statements and posts on the platform “Truth Social”: “I told them: No, you will not make an 18-hour trip to get there. We have all the cards. They can contact us whenever they want, but you will not make 18-hour trips anymore to sit and talk about nothing.”
He emphasized that if the Iranians “want to talk, all they have to do is contact us.” He added, “We have wasted a lot of time traveling, and a lot of work!”
Trump reiterated that the Iranian leadership is distracted after the assassinations that occurred during the war. He added, “There is massive infighting and confusion within what is called their leadership. No one knows who is in charge, including themselves.”
Earlier this month, Islamabad hosted the first direct round of negotiations without reaching an agreement to end the war that began with a U.S.-Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic on February 28. The previous round was led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Witkoff and Kushner.
Araghchi met in Pakistan with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, his counterpart Ishaq Dar, and army chief Asim Munir, who plays a pivotal role in mediation.
After Trump’s stance on Saturday, Sharif confirmed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a phone call his country’s commitment to mediation.
Sharif wrote via “X”: “I expressed my appreciation for Iran’s continuous engagement, including through the delegation led by Araghchi,” adding, “I reaffirmed that with the support of friends and partners, Pakistan remains committed to being an honest and fair mediator, tirelessly working toward sustainable peace and lasting stability in the region.”