Pakistan is poised to host crucial high-level talks between the United States and Iran on Friday, in what is being seen as a pivotal diplomatic effort to stabilise a fragile ceasefire and prevent a wider flare-up in West Asia.
International Desk: In a significant diplomatic development, Islamabad will serve as the venue for high-stakes negotiations between Washington and Tehran, aimed at reinforcing the recently agreed ceasefire and charting a path towards lasting peace. The two nations had earlier agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire on Wednesday, creating a narrow window for dialogue. Friday’s meeting is expected to focus on bridging deep-rooted differences and converting the temporary truce into a durable peace framework. Delegations from both sides are likely to arrive in the Pakistani capital by Thursday night.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has confirmed Tehran’s participation but cautioned that “scepticism” persists within Iran due to alleged ceasefire violations by Israel. In a post on X, he remarked that despite repeated breaches aimed at derailing diplomatic efforts, Iran has accepted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation and will engage in talks centred around its proposed 10-point peace plan.
The United States delegation, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, is also expected to join the talks, although the exact timing of arrival remains undisclosed. Reports suggest that senior figures including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may accompany the delegation. According to sources, the negotiations are likely to centre on crafting a comprehensive long-term peace roadmap, addressing key issues such as sanctions relief, regional security dynamics, and the future of Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Tehran’s 10-point proposal reportedly includes demands for sanctions removal, security guarantees against future attacks, and measures to ease tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
With global attention firmly fixed on Islamabad, the outcome of these talks could significantly influence the security landscape of West Asia, impact global energy markets, and reshape the course of international diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has moved to ensure tight security ahead of the high-profile engagement. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a meeting with US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Thursday, assured comprehensive and “foolproof” security arrangements for all foreign dignitaries. Emphasising the importance of the visit, he described the American delegation as “our special guests”. According to Dawn, a 30-member US team has already arrived in Islamabad to assess and coordinate security measures ahead of the talks.
