A high-level Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad early Saturday for key negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East conflict, following a two-week ceasefire brokered with Pakistan’s facilitation.
The delegation also includes Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is expected to participate in the talks, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Welcoming the Iranian team, Ishaq Dar expressed optimism about constructive engagement and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue for a durable and lasting resolution to the conflict.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the Islamabad talks a “make-or-break” moment for achieving a permanent ceasefire, as both sides prepare for high-stakes negotiations in the capital.
The talks follow a two-week truce announced by US President Donald Trump after six weeks of intense conflict that halted US and Israeli strikes on Iran. However, tensions remain high, with both Washington and Tehran accusing each other of violating parts of the agreement, while disputes continue over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing clashes involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Ahead of the talks, Speaker Ghalibaf stressed that the United States must honor its previous commitments, including unfreezing Iranian assets and ensuring a ceasefire in Lebanon, warning that progress would depend on compliance from Washington.
On the US side, Vice President JD Vance, leading the American delegation, expressed cautious optimism, stating he expected progress but warned that any attempt to “mislead” the United States would be met with a firm response.
Despite the ceasefire, Iran continues to face restrictions on billions of dollars in overseas assets due to US sanctions on its banking and energy sectors, adding further complexity to the negotiations.
The conflict began on February 28 after coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and resulting in more than 2,000 deaths over several weeks. Iran responded with missile strikes and regional operations that disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and hit US and Israeli-linked targets.
Hostilities came to a pause on April 8 when Pakistan-assisted diplomatic efforts helped secure a temporary ceasefire.
The US has proposed a 15-point framework covering Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, sanctions relief, and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has submitted a counter 10-point proposal demanding sanctions relief, regional de-escalation, and greater control over the strategic waterway.
The international community has widely welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating the ceasefire and enabling the latest round of talks in Islamabad, viewing it as a critical step toward broader regional stability.