ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become the center of global attention as it hosts high-level talks between the United States (US) and Iran following a recent ceasefire, with negotiations set to begin today in Islamabad.
Read More: Iran to join Islamabad talks but doubts about the reliability of the US
According to sources, delegation-level discussions will take place on Friday, while the main and more decisive phase of talks is scheduled for Saturday. The negotiations are being closely watched worldwide as a potential breakthrough in easing tensions between the two long-standing rivals.
In Pakistan, authorities locked down Islamabad ahead of US–Iran peace talks. A two-day public holiday was also declared in the capital to implement strict security measures. Read more: https://t.co/WYDlpQCiIc pic.twitter.com/08zNEz0Ivw
— Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) April 9, 2026
Senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, are expected to arrive in Pakistan for the negotiations.
BREAKING: Trump to deploy Vance, Witkoff, Kushner to Pakistan for Saturday negotiations during Iran ceasefire, White House press secretary Leavitt announces pic.twitter.com/ycnyhTK4wa
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 8, 2026
Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, signaling Tehran’s serious engagement in the diplomatic process.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the venue ahead of the talks to review security arrangements, underscoring the importance Islamabad attaches to the event. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and assured full support and hospitality for the visiting delegation.
Officials have described the visiting US representatives as special guests, reflecting Pakistan’s effort to facilitate a constructive and secure environment for dialogue.
A spokesperson for the White House said that sensitive discussions would take place behind closed doors, adding that any agreement would be based on what best serves US interests.
Read More: Pakistani officials say situation under control ahead of US–Iran talks
With Islamabad hosting these crucial negotiations, Pakistan is positioning itself as a key diplomatic bridge, with hopes that the talks will lead to meaningful progress toward regional stability.