ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed high-level delegations from the United States and Iran for the Islamabad Talks, expressing optimism that both sides will engage constructively to achieve a durable resolution to the Middle East conflict.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets US Vice President JD Vance as Islamabad Talks Begin
A senior US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to participate in the negotiations. The delegation includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner.
The visiting US officials were received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Welcoming the delegation, Dar appreciated Washington’s commitment to promoting regional and global peace and expressed hope that the Islamabad Talks would lead to meaningful engagement between the United States and Iran. He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to continue facilitating dialogue for a lasting settlement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a “make-or-break” opportunity to transform the current truce into a permanent ceasefire.
Earlier, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also arrived in Islamabad, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is expected to play a key role in the negotiations.
The Iranian delegation was similarly received by senior Pakistani officials, including Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Asim Munir, and Mohsin Naqvi.
Ahead of the talks, Ghalibaf emphasised that progress would depend on the United States fulfilling prior commitments, including easing restrictions on Iranian assets and ensuring a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Vice President Vance expressed cautious optimism but warned that any attempt by Iran to derail the process would prompt a firm response.
The talks follow a two-week ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump after weeks of conflict that began on February 28, involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing hostilities involving Israel and Iran-backed groups in the region.
Pakistan has played a central diplomatic role in brokering the truce and continues to position itself as a key mediator, with the international community supporting its efforts to de-escalate tensions and achieve lasting peace.
