Iranian FM Araghchi lands in Pakistan after Oman visit, next stop Moscow: diplomatic source

Lead

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Pakistan on Sunday after a day-long visit to Oman, and was scheduled to depart for Moscow, according to a diplomatic source cited by Dawn. The visit marks the second time Araghchi has been in Islamabad in three days, as part of a tri-nation tour that has also included Oman and will take him to Russia.

Araghchi arrived at the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi after completing his visit to Oman, the source said, adding that he would meet with senior Pakistani officials during his short stay in Islamabad. The Iranian foreign minister was then expected to head to Moscow, the source added.

The trip is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic efforts, notably by Pakistan, to bring Tehran and Washington to the table for talks aimed at ending the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on Araghchi's movements has been consistent across multiple Dawn articles, all citing a diplomatic source. The Hindu, an Indian newspaper, reported on Araghchi's arrival in Russia on Monday, where he described his Islamabad trip as "very productive" and involving "good consultations" with Pakistan's top leadership. The Hindu also noted that Araghchi met with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Sunday evening.

While the core facts of the itinerary are consistent, the framing varies slightly. Some Dawn articles emphasize the second visit in two days and the envoy's confirmation, while others focus on the Oman leg and the Moscow next stop. The Hindu's coverage, published after Araghchi reached Russia, provides a forward-looking assessment from the Iranian foreign minister himself.

Key Claims

• Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on Sunday after a day-long visit to Oman, and was scheduled to depart for Moscow, according to a diplomatic source cited by Dawn.
• During his Oman visit, Araghchi met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and briefed him on Iran's perspectives regarding regional developments and peace efforts, according to statements from both Omani and Iranian foreign ministries.
• Oman's foreign ministry said the sultan affirmed the importance of prioritising dialogue and diplomacy in addressing issues.
• Iran's foreign ministry said security in the Strait of Hormuz and broader Gulf waters, as well as diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran, were discussed during the meeting.
• Araghchi was quoted as saying the US military presence in the Middle East was fuelling insecurity and division.
• Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that Araghchi held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, and IRNA reported a call with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, both discussing regional developments and diplomatic efforts.
• Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday night and handed over Tehran's response to US proposals for ending the war during meetings with Pakistan's civil and military leadership, before leaving for Oman on Saturday, according to a Pakistani source involved in the process.
• The same source said the Iranian side had delivered both its proposals and its perspective on the American proposals. Officials familiar with the discussions said Tehran stressed that any framework must be "rational and fair" and that negotiations cannot proceed under pressure, particularly in the presence of the naval blockade of Iranian ports by the US.
• The Iranian side signalled willingness to stay engaged through Pakistan's mediation but insisted it would not accept terms seen as undermining its sovereignty or security interests. No details of the proposals were made public.
• US President Donald Trump called off a planned trip by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad to engage with the Iranian delegation, according to earlier reports.
• The first round of direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, following a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8. The talks ended without an agreement but also without a breakdown.
• The expected second round of negotiations has been delayed due to continued friction between the US and Iran, particularly regarding Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iran's ports.
• Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire until Tehran submits a "unified proposal" and "discussions are concluded, one way or the other."
• The US has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, and the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply used to pass during peacetime, remains blocked.
• After the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, Tehran responded by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz and later announced it would charge vessels using the maritime route. The US earlier this month blockaded Iranian ports to stop its oil exports and returned over 30 ships leaving Iranian ports.
• Unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the core issues in the impasse, along with Washington's demand for long-term commitments on Iran's nuclear programme, including constraints on enrichment and safeguards against weaponisation.
• Iranian envoy to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam confirmed in a late-night post on X the end of Araghchi's second trip to Pakistan, expressing gratitude to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts to end the war and bring lasting peace to the region.
• Araghchi, after arrival in Russia on Monday, said his trip to Islamabad was "very productive" and involved "good consultations" with Pakistan's top leadership, as reported by The Hindu.

Perspectives

Iranian perspective: Iran has stressed that any framework must be "rational and fair" and that negotiations cannot proceed under pressure, particularly with the US naval blockade in place. Tehran has signalled willingness to stay engaged through Pakistan's mediation but insists on protecting its sovereignty and security interests. Araghchi has also criticised the US military presence in the Middle East as fuelling insecurity and division.

US perspective: The US has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports and extended the ceasefire until Tehran submits a "unified proposal." Washington's demands include unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and long-term commitments on Iran's nuclear programme, including constraints on enrichment and safeguards against weaponisation.

Pakistani perspective: Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator between the US and Iran, hosting the first round of direct talks in Islamabad and facilitating the exchange of proposals. Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, have been actively engaged in the diplomatic efforts, and the Iranian envoy has publicly thanked them for their "tireless efforts" and "good office initiative."

Omani perspective: Oman has played a supporting role in the diplomatic efforts, with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq affirming the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. Oman's foreign ministry highlighted the sultan's views on advancing peace efforts to enhance opportunities for sustainable political solutions.

Regional actors: Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been in contact with the Iranian foreign minister, with phone calls reported by Iranian state media, indicating broader regional engagement in the diplomatic process.