ISLAMABAD: A high-level Iranian delegation, including Majlis Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, has departed from Islamabad following significant diplomatic talks.
The delegation was seen off by senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The discussions in the capital covered a wide range of topics; however, sources indicate that substantial differences persist on several key issues, most notably Iran’s nuclear program. Despite these remaining hurdles, both nations expressed a firm determination to maintain diplomatic relations and pursue future cooperation.
The Iranian departure followed the conclusion of the U.S. delegation’s visit, led by Vice President JD Vance, who departed for the United States at 7 a.m. earlier that day. The U.S. team, which included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, was seen off by Field Marshal Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Dar, and Interior Minister Naqvi, alongside other high-ranking Pakistani and American officials.
Pakistan served as the primary mediator for these high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and Iranian representatives. This mediation played a critical role in reducing regional tensions and creating the necessary diplomatic space to initiate a dialogue between the two adversarial nations.
