Pakistan invites Iran foreign minister, speaker for talks

Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday that Islamabad has extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf for official talks in Pakistan, as the neighboring nations move to strengthen bilateral relations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state-run Press TV that the Iranian officials will undertake the visit "at an appropriate time," though he provided no specific dates for the trip. "Reciprocal visits and exchanges are a natural part of the growing ties between the two neighboring countries," Baqaei added.

Regional Mediation

The invitation comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East following US and Israeli military strikes against Iran in February. Tehran subsequently targeted regional countries hosting American military assets, prompting Islamabad to intervene as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan helped broker a ceasefire in April and later secured a framework agreement in June aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

Collapsed Framework

The June agreement disintegrated last month, with both sides exchanging attacks for nearly two weeks before US President Donald Trump ordered a halt to the bombardment. Reports of renewed talks to resolve the conflict emerged shortly after Washington suspended its military operations. The proposed visit by Araghchi and Qalibaf underscores Islamabad's continued role in facilitating dialogue between the Islamic Republic and Western powers.