Iran delegation in Islamabad ahead of high-level US talks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital is preparing to host high-stakes Iran–US negotiations, with delegations arriving and final arrangements in place after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed participation from both countries’ leadership.

“In response to my sincere invitation, the leaderships of both countries are coming to Islamabad. There, negotiations will be held for the establishment of peace,” PM Sharif said in a televised address.

The talks follow a fragile two-week ceasefire brokered through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, positioning Islamabad at the center of global attempts to de-escalate a conflict that has unsettled the region and global markets.

An Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has arrived in Islamabad for the talks scheduled on Saturday, according to Pakistan's Foreign Office.

The delegation also includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, senior military official Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, and politician-economist Abdolnasser Hemmati, underscoring Tehran’s high-level representation.

On the US side, Vice President JD Vance is en route to Pakistan to lead Washington’s delegation, marking a rare diplomatic role for a sitting US vice president.

Before departing Washington for Islamabad, JD Vance expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming negotiations, saying the United States would pursue a constructive outcome while remaining firm in its approach.

“We’re going to try to have a positive negotiation,” he told reporters, adding, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand… but if they try to play us, the negotiating team is not going to be receptive.”

The talks come after weeks of intense fighting that began late February, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering a wider regional conflict as Tehran retaliated against US and allied targets. Now in its second month, the war has spread across the Middle East, disrupted global energy flows, and raised fears of a broader escalation, even as a fragile ceasefire attempts to halt hostilities.

Pakistan has moved to facilitate participation, offering visa-on-arrival for delegates and journalists.

“Pakistan has extended visa-free travel to delegates and journalists… for the duration of the talks,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said.

Security and logistical preparations have been reinforced.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting reviewing arrangements, assuring “foolproof security measures” for visiting delegations.

Pakistan’s civil and military leadership reviewed the evolving situation. Pakistan Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir met Sharif, with both stressing the need to “maintain peace and a ceasefire by all parties,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the de-escalation achieved so far… and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to facilitate a negotiated settlement,” the statement said, adding that arrangements for delegations had been finalized with “highest consideration and support.”

International backing for Pakistan’s mediation continues to grow.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held calls with counterparts from the Netherlands and France, who commended Islamabad’s role in securing the ceasefire and advancing a diplomatic pathway.

“Both sides underscored the importance of full implementation of the ceasefire to achieve sustained peace,” the Foreign Office said.

At the same time, concern is mounting over continued violence in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have intensified despite the truce.

Dar, in conversations with international partners, stressed the need for “full respect and implementation of the ceasefire.”

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called for an immediate end to attacks, while the United Nations condemned the escalation.

“The United Nations strongly condemns the strikes… that resulted in significant civilian casualties,” spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach, with Sharif thanking global leaders for supporting what he described as Islamabad’s “sincere efforts” to advance peace.

“I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint… so that diplomacy can take a lead role,” he said earlier.

With delegations arriving and global attention fixed on Islamabad, the talks are expected to test whether the ceasefire can hold and evolve into a broader framework for lasting regional peace.