CDF Munir meets Iran FM Araghchi amid hopes for renewed US-Iran talks

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir held a key meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad, as diplomatic momentum builds around efforts to revive stalled US-Iran negotiations.

According to official sources, the meeting took place shortly after Araghchi’s arrival in the capital, where he is leading a high-level delegation carrying Tehran’s response to proposals conveyed through Pakistan. Senior Pakistani officials, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, also participated in the discussions.

The talks are seen as part of intensified backchannel diplomacy, with Islamabad continuing to play a central role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran. Araghchi’s visit comes at a sensitive time, with a fragile ceasefire still in place but major disagreements unresolved over sanctions, nuclear restrictions, and maritime security.

Officials indicate that the Iranian side is currently engaging through indirect channels, with messages expected to be conveyed via Pakistani interlocutors rather than direct talks with the United States. Despite this, preparations are underway for a possible new round of negotiations in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, US envoys are also expected to arrive in Pakistan, raising the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement. However, uncertainty remains over the format and outcome of the talks, given previous rounds ended without a breakthrough.

Analysts say the meeting between Munir and Araghchi underscores Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role, but warn that deep mistrust between the US and Iran continues to pose a major obstacle to any lasting agreement.