Pakistan Hosts High-Level US–Iran Talks in Islamabad
KARACHI, Pakistan — April 11, 2026:
Pakistan is preparing to host a high-level United States delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, for direct talks with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The US delegation departed Washington on Friday aboard Air Force Two. Alongside Vance, the team includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, signaling strong political engagement from Washington.
Senior Iranian Leadership Arrives in Islamabad
Meanwhile, Iran has sent a senior delegation led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf. The group also includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior official Ali Bagheri Kani.
Upon arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan’s leadership formally welcomed the Iranian officials. The reception was led by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Rare Direct Engagement Marks Diplomatic Shift
Notably, this meeting represents one of the most significant direct engagements between the US and Iran since the Iranian Revolution. Analysts view the scale and seniority of the Iranian delegation as a major shift in diplomatic strategy.
Foreign policy expert Trita Parsi highlighted the importance of the talks, noting that such high-level participation from Iran was unprecedented, even during negotiations over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. He added that Iran’s willingness to engage reflects growing confidence in its regional position.
Ceasefire Paves the Way for Peace Talks
Earlier this week, Pakistan—working alongside Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—successfully brokered a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
The ceasefire came after 40 days of escalating conflict that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.
As part of the agreement, both sides committed to holding direct negotiations in Islamabad. These discussions aim to establish a long-term peace framework and reduce tensions across the region.
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