, April 24 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday night with a small delegation in a move seen as a step towards the possible resumption of direct US-Iran talks aimed at easing escalating tensions.

Senior officials in Islamabad confirmed the development to international media following a series of phone calls between Araghchi and Pakistani leaders on Friday, reports Al Jazeera.

However, Iran's state news agency IRNA said the visit is primarily bilateral and focused on talks with Pakistani officials, not direct negotiations with the United States. After his Islamabad visit, Araghchi is expected to travel to Moscow and Muscat.

A Pakistani official said there was a "high likelihood of a bre...