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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has no plans to meet with US delegates during his visit to Pakistan, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. In a statement posted on X, Baghaei said, "No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US," adding that "Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan."

The announcement came as US President Donald Trump dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner to Islamabad, reportedly to hear the Iranians out. France 24 reported that the US envoys were expected to arrive on Saturday, citing CNN.

Coverage comparison

Reporting on the situation varied across outlets. France 24 emphasized that Iran had ruled out direct negotiations with US representatives, while the Jerusalem Post noted that Iranian negotiators would hold talks with a Pakistani delegation on Friday, but not with any US representatives. TASS, citing the Iranian Tasnim news agency, reported that Araghchi's visit to Pakistan was "not linked with talks with the United States."

However, an Axios reporter, Barak Ravid, claimed that direct talks between American and Iranian delegations in Islamabad could take place on April 27, citing sources. This claim was carried by TASS and has not been independently verified.

Key claims

  • No US meeting planned: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that no meeting is planned between Iranian and US representatives during Araghchi's Pakistan visit, as reported by TASS and France 24.
  • US envoys traveling to Islamabad: Multiple sources, including France 24 and the Jerusalem Post, confirmed that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to Islamabad. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the trip, as cited by TASS.
  • Araghchi to meet Pakistani officials: According to TASS, Araghchi will meet with Pakistani high-level officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues. The Jerusalem Post reported that he will meet with Pakistani mediators before traveling to Oman.
  • Possible April 27 talks: Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing sources, said direct talks could occur on April 27 after separate bilateral meetings, as reported by TASS. This claim is not confirmed by official sources.
  • JD Vance on standby: The Jerusalem Post reported that US Vice President JD Vance will be on standby to travel to Islamabad in case talks progress, citing CNN. This has not been confirmed by other outlets.
  • Araghchi's additional travel: A single TASS article cited a source saying Araghchi will also visit Oman and Russia during his trip.

Perspectives

Iranian officials, through spokesperson Baghaei, have categorically ruled out direct meetings with US representatives, framing the Pakistan visit as focused on bilateral consultations. The US administration, meanwhile, appears to be pursuing direct engagement by sending senior envoys to Islamabad, suggesting an expectation that talks might occur. The discrepancy between these positions, along with the Axios report of possible April 27 talks, indicates that the situation remains fluid, with Pakistan potentially playing a mediating role.

As of this writing, no official confirmation of direct US-Iran talks has been provided by either government.