Iran’s foreign minister left Pakistan without meeting U.S. negotiators Saturday, derailing a second round of nuclear peace talks before they could start. As of Sunday, he was back in Islamabad hoping for another shot.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation flew to Muscat on Saturday after departing Pakistan’s capital without meeting with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had been set to fly to Islamabad that same day. Trump canceled the U.S. delegation’s trip shortly after Iran walked.
Pakistan has been serving as the go-between for the negotiations, with Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting directly with Araghchi before the Iranians departed Saturday. Both Pakistani officials are expected to speak with the foreign minister again now that he’s returned to Islamabad.
Araghchi spent Saturday evening in Oman, where his delegation consulted with Omani officials on issues related to potential peace proposals before heading back to Pakistan. Oman has long played a back-channel role in U.S.-Iran communications.
Araghchi previously visited other countries, writing on social media, “Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments. Our neighbors are our priority.”
The first round of talks, held in Oman earlier this month, was described by both sides as “positive.” The second round, slated to take place in Islamabad, fell apart without explanation from either government.
Trump has been pushing for a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program, making clear he prefers a deal to military action. In public remarks, he has also warned the consequences will be severe if a deal isn’t reached. Iran, which is under crippling economic sanctions, has been under pressure domestically to show progress.
The breakdown Saturday marked the second time talks have stalled. Iran’s decision to leave without meeting U.S. officials came as a surprise to Pakistani mediators and blindsided the Trump administration, which had already dispatched its delegation.
No official explanation has been given by either Tehran or Washington for the collapse. Iranian state media has not acknowledged that Araghchi departed Islamabad without meeting American negotiators.
As of Sunday afternoon, no new meeting date has been announced, though Pakistani officials are treating the prospect as live.
