Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met with Pakistani leaders on Saturday but won't engage with U.S. negotiators, according to his spokesperson.
"We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting with Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation & good offices for ending American imposed war of aggression and the restitution of peace in our region," said Esmail Baqaei in a social media publication.
"No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan," he added.
Araghchi met with field marshal Asim Munir, where the two discussed the latest developments "related to the ceasefire and the end of the war," according to a message he sent on Telegram. He also "expressed appreciation for the good offices and valuable efforts of the Government of Pakistan."
Munir, on his end, "announced his country's readiness to continue Pakistan's mediation efforts until a result is achieved." Later, Aragchi arrived at the house of Pakistani Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for further talks.
Iran has so far refused to engage in a new formal round of negotiations with the U.S., largely citing its continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a main reason.
However, some reports have claimed that there is internal dissent in Tehran about how to proceed with the war.
The Jerusalem post detailed that officials in Israel and the U.S. believe Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is not actually ruling Iran, with control being exerted by the revolutionary guard (IRGC).
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to have meetings of their own. "We're hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward to a deal," said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt ahead of their departure.
She added that Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation in the first round of negotiations, won't be traveling to Pakistan but remain "deeply involved" in the negotiations and will be on "standby" to fly if necessary.
"We've certainly seen some progress from the Iranian side in the last couple of days," Leavitt added.
