Iran Foreign Minister visits Pakistan, India this week

• Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Islamabad and Delhi on May 5 and 7-8 respectively.

• The visit is part of an effort to mediate between Iran and India.

• Both countries have closed their airspaces to aircraft owned or operated by the other side.

• The visit reflects the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and Iran.

• Araghchi will meet Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and call on Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

• The visit is part of a broader effort to forge greater understanding between Iran and India.

• The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) has not responded to calls for mediation or de-escalation of tensions.

• Araghchi will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and chair the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) on economic cooperation.

• India and Iran have several pending issues, including trade payments, banking arrangements, and the development of Chabahar port.