Iran FM flies to Oman after 'fruitful' visit, may return

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Saturday said it would press ahead with its mediation efforts as it hosted Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, despite a no-show from the US side.

The Iranian foreign minister departed Islamabad after speaking only to Pakistani officials, describing his visit as "very fruitful".

"Very fruitful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we very much value," Araghchi wrote on X.

"Shared Iran's position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy."

Soon after Araghchi posted his statement, Iranian news agency Farsna reported that the foreign minister arrived in Muscat, Oman, to meet with Omani leadership.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian.

During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted fifty minutes, the two leaders had a detailed exchange of views on the current regional situation and ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

The prime minister appreciated the participation of the high-level Iranian delegation in the talks held in Islamabad on April 11-12.

He also welcomed Iran's decision to send a delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad, that held important meetings earlier today, including a detailed two-hour meeting with the prime minister.

While sharing with the Iranian president an overview of his recent diplomatic outreach to a number of world leaders, the prime minister emphasised that the interactions had been helpful in building broader consensus in support of sustained dialogue and diplomacy aimed at achieving lasting peace in the war-affected region.

The prime minister also expressed appreciation for the fruitful discussions conducted by the Iranian leadership with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during his recent visit to Tehran earlier this month.

While reassuring the Iranian president of Pakistan's firm commitment to regional peace, the prime minister said that Pakistan would continue its sincere and honest endeavours to promote regional peace and security.

The Iranian president thanked the prime minister, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their significant contribution to the peace efforts.

While expressing Iran's desire for peace, he also expressed confidence that the fraternal ties between Iran and Pakistan would continue to strengthen and expand in the future.

The prime minister conveyed his respectful greetings and regards to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Both leaders agreed to continue their close coordination.

Iranian media reported that Araqchi had flown to Oman's capital Muscat, saying he will meet with senior officials to "discuss and exchange views on bilateral relations and regional developments".

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to visit mediator Pakistan again after completing his trip to Oman, before traveling to Russia, Iran's Mehr news agency reported on Saturday.