Iran’s Zarif and Qalibaf Receive Pakistan Visit Invitations

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei announced that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf have both been extended formal invitations to travel to Pakistan. Baghaei stated the visits would take place “at the appropriate time,” without specifying dates.

Regional Engagement and Bilateral Momentum

Speaking at his regular press briefing, Baghaei described reciprocal high-level visits between Iran and Pakistan as “entirely natural,” citing the two countries’ status as neighboring states with close and expanding ties. He noted that Iranian ministers of Industry and Mines and Trade, Science, and Interior had recently traveled to Pakistan and held technical-level consultations on multiple specialized files.

Baghaei emphasized that bilateral relations between Tehran and Islamabad have gained heightened significance over recent months.

Decision-Making Structure in Iranian Diplomacy

When asked whether Foreign Minister Araghchi or newly appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Brigadier General Mohsen Rezaei would lead negotiations—particularly regarding a new de-escalation proposal from Pakistan concerning the Strait of Hormuz—Baghaei stressed that “Iran is an institutional state, not a personality-based one.”

He affirmed that decision-making on major issues, including diplomatic negotiations, is carried out collectively by relevant institutions. “The entire world has clearly seen over the past year and a half that our country is institutional—not personal,” he said, adding that this institutional character constitutes one basis for “the continuity and success of the Islamic Republic amid current conditions and challenges.”

Coordination Between Key Bodies

Baghaei extended congratulations to Brigadier General Mohsen Rezaei on his appointment as the Supreme Leader’s representative on the Supreme National Security Council. He expressed hopes for Rezaei’s success and reaffirmed that the Foreign Ministry will continue its work “in full coordination” with the Supreme National Security Council to safeguard Iranian national interests.

UN General Assembly Participation Uncertain

Baghaei also addressed questions about President Masoud Pezeshkian’s potential attendance at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. He confirmed no final decision has yet been made on whether Pezeshkian will travel to the United States for the meetings.

In response to a specific query on the president’s possible participation in the annual General Debate, Baghaei stated: “Tehran intends to make use of this opportunity this year as well”—a formulation that stops short of confirming the president’s physical presence.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly opens at UN Headquarters in New York on 8 September 2026, with the high-level General Debate commencing on 22 September 2026.