Iran leverages Pakistan’s mediation to pitch major regional peace.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Islamabad on Sunday, marking his second visit to the Pakistani capital in less than 48 hours as part of an intensive diplomatic sprint. This sudden return follows a brief stop in Oman and precedes a high-level journey to Moscow. Central to these discussions is a fresh peace proposal aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict with the United States and reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi’s mission focuses on utilising Pakistan as an "honest facilitator" to bridge the gap with Washington. During his stay, he engaged in critical deliberations with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Reports suggest that Tehran is prepared to prioritise the reopening of global shipping lanes and a permanent ceasefire, while notably deferring complex nuclear negotiations for a later stage.

Historical ties between Tehran and Islamabad have often been tested by border security issues, yet Pakistan’s unique position as a partner to both the West and Iran makes it a natural venue for such sensitive back-channel diplomacy. This mediation is particularly vital now, as global energy markets remain volatile due to the threat of maritime blockades.

After concluding his talks in Islamabad, Araghchi is set to fly to Russia to brief President Vladimir Putin. This Moscow leg suggests Iran is seeking a broader consensus among its allies before finalising any agreement. While the U.S. administration has shown a cautious stance, the continuous movement of high-level officials between these capitals indicates that a significant breakthrough may be on the horizon.