Introduction: On May 8, 2025, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit New Delhi, following his trip to Islamabad on May 5, as part of Iran’s bold offer to mediate between India and Pakistan. The diplomatic push comes after a deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists and escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. This article explores Iran’s mediation efforts, the Kashmir conflict’s stakes, and Iran’s historical role in regional diplomacy, while sharing a taste of Iranian culture with a Ghormeh Sabzi recipe.
Araghchi’s Diplomatic Mission
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat known for his role in the 2015 nuclear deal, arrived in Islamabad on May 5, 2025, to discuss regional tensions with Pakistani leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. AP News reported that Araghchi’s visit was the first by a foreign dignitary since the April 22 Pahalgam attack. He will travel to New Delhi on May 8 to co-chair a bilateral joint commission with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, discussing the attack and trade cooperation, including the Chabahar port project. The Statesman noted that the India visit was pre-scheduled but gained urgency due to the crisis.
[](https://www.thestatesman.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-araghchi-to-visit-india-on-may-7-8-hold-talks-with-eam-jaishankar-1503427334.html)
Iran’s Mediation Offer
Iran has positioned itself as a neutral mediator, with Araghchi stating on April 25, 2025, via X that “Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding.” Iran considers both nations “brotherly neighbors” with “centuries-old cultural ties,” a sentiment echoed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in calls with Indian and Pakistani leaders. The Hindu reported that Pakistan welcomed the offer, while India has not responded, historically rejecting third-party mediation. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some praising Iran’s diplomacy and others questioning its neutrality due to its closer ties with Pakistan.
[](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iran-fm-araghchi-to-visit-pakistan-india-this-week-days-after-offering-to-mediate-to-reduce-tensions/article69538478.ece)The Pahalgam Attack and Escalation
The April 22, 2025, attack in Pahalgam, claimed by The Resistance Front (a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba), killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindus, in the deadliest Kashmir attack since 2019. India accused Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism,” a charge Islamabad denies, calling it a “false flag.” Newsweek noted that both nations have since expelled diplomats, closed airspaces, and suspended trade, with gunfire exchanged along the Line of Control (LoC) for days. Pakistan’s missile test on May 3 and India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty have heightened fears of military escalation.
[](https://www.newsweek.com/iran-offers-mediate-india-pakistan-tensions-2064220)Geopolitical Context: Iran’s Mediation Legacy
Historical Fact: Iran has a history of mediating in South Asia, notably during the 1999 Kargil War, when it urged Pakistan to withdraw forces and facilitated back-channel talks. As a neighbor to Pakistan and a partner to India via projects like Chabahar port, Iran leverages its neutral stance and cultural ties to both nations. This history informs its current efforts, though India’s alignment with the US and Pakistan’s ties to China complicate Tehran’s role. Iran’s mediation aligns with its broader goal of regional stability, especially as it navigates its own nuclear talks with the US.
[](https://www.theweek.in/news/middle-east/2025/05/04/what-s-behind-iranian-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi-s-visit-to-pakistan-india-amid-tensions.html)India-Iran Relations and Chabahar Port
India and Iran share strong ties, exemplified by their 2024 Chabahar port agreement, which enhances India’s access to Central Asia. However, US warnings of sanctions over the project highlight tensions, as New Delhi also deepens security ties with Washington. Araghchi’s visit to India will address these dynamics, with discussions on trade and the Pahalgam attack. The Hindu reported that Araghchi will brief India on Iran’s nuclear talks with the US, set for May 3 in Rome.
[](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/interview-with-iran-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi/article69234130.ece)[](https://www.thestatesman.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-araghchi-to-visit-india-on-may-7-8-hold-talks-with-eam-jaishankar-1503427334.html)A Taste of Iran: Ghormeh Sabzi Recipe
Iran’s diplomatic efforts reflect its rich cultural heritage, embodied in dishes like Ghormeh Sabzi, a savory herb stew. Here’s a recipe to experience Iran’s flavors:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb or beef, cubed
- 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight
- 2 cups chopped parsley
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 4 dried Persian limes (limoo amani), pierced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Beans: Boil soaked kidney beans for 30 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté: Heat oil in a pot, sauté onion until golden, add turmeric and meat, browning for 5 minutes.
- Add Herbs: Stir in parsley, cilantro, spinach, and green onions. Cook for 10 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer: Add beans, dried limes, and 3 cups water. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours until meat is tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve hot with Persian rice.
This hearty stew is a staple of Iranian cuisine, perfect for sharing Iran’s warmth at your table.
Conclusion
Iran’s mediation offer, led by Abbas Araghchi, underscores its ambition to foster peace in a volatile region. As India and Pakistan grapple with the fallout of the Kashmir attack, Iran’s diplomacy could pave the way for dialogue, though challenges remain. Follow updates on this story at Planet-Today.com.
Author: Planet-Today.com
Via AFP