ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability during a high-level telephonic conversation between their foreign ministers, as Islamabad intensifies its role as a mediator to prevent a collapse of the fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
The call between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi comes at a critical juncture when diplomatic sources suggest that US Vice President JD Vance has been “green-lit” to lead a high-powered American delegation to the federal capital for a second round of peace negotiations.
The diplomatic flurry follows reports that Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, held a direct conversation with US President Donald Trump. During the exchange, the Army Chief reportedly warned that the ongoing US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is hampering the peace process and serves as a significant roadblock to any meaningful breakthrough.
According to sources, Field Marshal Munir emphasized that easing the maritime restrictions would be essential to foster an environment conducive to dialogue. While the White House has publicly maintained a tough stance, reports indicate the US administration is “reviewing” the impact of the blockade following Islamabad’s intervention.
In a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry the other day, Araghchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “good offices” but remained scathing in his assessment of Washington’s sincerity. He pointed to “bitter experiences” over the past year, specifically citing US military aggression in May–June 2025 and February–March 2026 as evidence of a “lack of seriousness.”
> “The US violation of the ceasefire, threats against Iranian ports, and persistent contradictions are clear indications of bad faith,” Araghchi told Dar, according to the Iranian readout.
He further warned that while Iran remains engaged in the diplomatic process, it will utilize “all its capacities” to safeguard its national security.
During the conversation, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar outlined Pakistan’s persistent efforts to end the hostilities, emphasizing that Islamabad remains ready to continue its mediation. Pakistan successfully brokered the initial 14-day ceasefire on April 8, which is set to expire this Wednesday.
Middle East observers believe that the upcoming talks in Islamabad, expected to feature Vice President Vance alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, represent the most significant direct engagement between the two adversaries in decades. However, with Tehran yet to officially confirm its participation and the deadline of the ceasefire looming, the success of the “Islamabad Track” remains on a knife-edge.
