Bizchikian arrives in Pakistan to discuss the course of negotiations with Washington

Islamabad —
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Tuesday, in a visit focused on coordinating positions with Pakistan regarding the next phase of negotiations between Tehran and Washington, following the conclusion of the technical round of talks in Switzerland.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received Pezeshkian, indicating the political importance Islamabad and Tehran attach to this visit.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined the presidential delegation coming from the Sultanate of Oman, where he participated in consultations with Omani officials regarding the course of negotiations, maritime security, and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The visit is expected to discuss preparations for the next phase of US-Iranian talks, the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad, in addition to issues related to sanctions relief, the Iranian nuclear program, monitoring mechanisms, and compliance.

The talks will also address maritime security files in the Strait of Hormuz, commercial shipping movement, proposals to reduce tensions in Lebanon, alongside enhancing economic and trade cooperation between Iran and Pakistan and the security of the shared borders.

Tehran views the Pakistani role as an important part of ongoing mediation efforts, while Pezeshkian’s visit reflects an Iranian desire to maintain close coordination with Islamabad before entering a new negotiation phase with the United States.

Araghchi is expected to hold separate meetings with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and a number of senior officials to discuss the technical and political details of the presented files.