Iran Weighs Second Round of Peace Talks... Araghchi Points to "Problems with U.S. Diplomatic Process"

Iran and Pakistan Foreign Ministers Hold Two Consecutive Days of Talks

Iran Yet to Confirm Participation in Second Round of Peace Talks

Pakistan Makes Last-Ditch Mediation Efforts

Iran, currently deliberating whether to participate in a second round of peace talks with the United States, has held phone conversations with mediator Pakistan for two consecutive days, criticizing issues within the U.S. diplomatic process.

Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister, is speaking at the Geneva Disarmament Conference held at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17 (local time). Photo by EPA Yonhap News

According to Tasnim News Agency on April 20 (local time), Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister, discussed issues related to the ceasefire and the regional situation in a phone call with Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, on that day. This marked their second consecutive day of calls, following a conversation on April 19.

During the call, Minister Araghchi remarked that Iran had experienced “bitter lessons” over the past year, pointing out that the United States has repeatedly broken its promises. He specifically cited U.S. military attacks against Iran that occurred during the negotiation process in February and March as a particular concern.

He also assessed that recent ceasefire violations, threats to Iranian ports, coasts, and ships, provocative remarks, unreasonable demands, and persistent contradictory attitudes are clear signs of the lack of sincerity and seriousness in U.S. diplomacy. He emphasized that Iran will use all its capabilities to protect its national interests and security.

Iran expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s mediation efforts during the war and stressed that it has demonstrated a responsible approach throughout the diplomatic process aimed at ending the conflict. The two foreign ministers also agreed to continue consultations moving forward.

This latest phone call took place while Iran has yet to confirm its participation in the second round of peace talks. Although the U.S. negotiating delegation has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan, Iran still has not provided a definite answer regarding its participation, and Pakistan appears to be making last-minute mediation and persuasion efforts to ensure the talks proceed.

Iran has stated that, due to U.S. attacks on its ships, it currently has “no plans for talks.” However, the Pakistani media outlet Pakistan Observer reported that the Iranian delegation is expected to arrive in Islamabad on April 21 for possible talks with the United States. Two Pakistani officials also told the Associated Press that Iran has expressed its intention to send a negotiating delegation.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the likelihood of extending the two-week ceasefire with Iran is “very low,” reiterating pressure on Iran to reach an agreement. The scheduled ceasefire expiration is the evening of April 22 (U.S. Eastern Time).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.