Iran's Foreign Minister Expected in Pakistan for Peace Talks Discussions

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Pakistan on Friday night to discuss potential next steps in peace negotiations with the U.S., a Pakistani official told MS NOW. The official, speaking anonymously, said Araghchi and a team would meet with Pakistani mediators about a possible second round of talks.

The first round of peace talks occurred nearly two weeks ago in Islamabad, led on the U.S. side by Vice President JD Vance, and concluded without an agreement. A U.S. delegation including Vance was scheduled to return to Pakistan earlier this week, but the trip was delayed after Iranian officials reportedly indicated they would not attend.

Tensions have focused on the Strait of Hormuz, where oil shipping has slowed amid Iranian threats and a recent U.S. retaliatory action.

A ceasefire was announced on April 7 following threats from President Donald Trump. Trump extended the ceasefire unilaterally on Tuesday before its expiration. The Trump administration initially predicted the operation would last four to six weeks but has since extended its timeline.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a Friday morning press briefing that the operation has delivered decisive results in weeks, contrasting it with longer past U.S. conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Hegseth said the operation has been focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The administration has presented varying objectives for the operation, including regime change and concerns for Iranian protesters. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is in no rush to make a peace deal, stating the war has affected stocks and oil prices less than expected. U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving the administration, according to the Pentagon.