Published on 4/25/2026
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Last update: 15:16 (Mecca time)
Former Pakistani Information Minister Mushahid Hussain said that the capital, Islamabad, “today stands at the forefront of international diplomacy,” with the arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, as part of efforts to resume negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Hussein explained in his speech to Al Jazeera that both Iran and the United States “express their confidence in Pakistan,” noting that the Iranian position is balanced, flexible and realistic, in light of the efforts made to bring the views of the two parties closer together.
Iranian flexibility
He added that the visit of the Pakistani Army Commander to Tehran resulted in a demonstration of Iranian flexibility, as they opened the Strait of Hormuz based on our request and advice, expecting a similar response from US President Donald Trump in the form of lifting the blockade on Iran, “but that did not happen, unfortunately.”
He considered that the continuation of the blockade remains an insurmountable obstacle hindering the resumption of negotiations, stressing that Pakistan is trying to ensure that “the two parties come closer in point of view.”
Hussein stressed that “war is not an option,” and that both parties need peace, and this can be achieved through the good offices of Pakistan, adding that both are sincere in achieving peace.
Negotiation
Regarding the negotiations, he pointed out that the previous round, which lasted about 21 hours, took place “face to face” and did not witness any escalation. Rather, the two parties shook hands and exchanged smiles, indicating a positive atmosphere.
He explained that the Strait of Hormuz issue “was not a cause of the war, but rather a consequence of it,” stressing that Iran showed flexibility when it was asked to open the strait.
He considered that “the ball is now in the court of the United States,” indicating the need for Washington to take the initiative to show corresponding flexibility, especially with regard to lifting the blockade.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, hours ago, on a visit that was supposed to last for a short period, where he met with the Commander of the Pakistani Army, awaiting an upcoming meeting with the Prime Minister.
In parallel, Islamabad awaits the arrival of US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, in a scene that reflects the transformation of the Pakistani capital into a potential space for indirect communication between Washington and Tehran, with questions about the limits of flexibility carried by the Iranian position.
