Citing official sources, the newspaper said a second round of peace talks with the United States was also anticipated, with a US logistics and security team already present in the capital. The development follows a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire extension and weeks of shuttle diplomacy.
Iran’s state media confirmed Araghchi’s visit as part of a regional tour that includes Muscat and Moscow, describing it as “bilateral consultations” on the “war imposed by the United States and the Israeli regime.” The foreign minister himself called it a “timely tour” to coordinate with partners, emphasising that “neighbours are our priority.”
According to Dawn, the first historic direct talks in Islamabad on April 11–12 ended without agreement but also without collapse. A second round was delayed by friction over Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a US naval blockade. However, Pakistani officials framed the subsequent ceasefire extension as a “controlled pause” creating space for dialogue rather than a setback.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced hope that both sides would “conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks,” while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in a phone call with Araghchi, stressed “sustained dialogue and engagement.” Araghchi lauded Pakistan’s “consistent and constructive facilitation role.”
Diplomatic activity intensified this week. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, and Dar consulted Turkish and British counterparts, who backed Islamabad’s efforts. Dawn noted that major hotels informally blocked reservations until April 25, signalling readiness for high-level engagements.
Despite the hopeful tone, the newspaper acknowledged that core disputes—sanctions, the blockade, and sequencing of commitments—remain unresolved. Still, the absence of outright rejection from Tehran was read as keeping the channel open. “The next 48 to 72 hours will be critical,” Dawn quoted diplomats as saying, capturing the mood of a nation banking on its role as peacemaker.