ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed hope that the United States and Iran will engage constructively in ongoing talks in Islamabad aimed at securing a durable end to the Middle East conflict, following the arrival of a high-level American delegation.
The US team, led by Vice President JD Vance and including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to take part in the negotiations.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by senior Pakistani leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Officials said Pakistan welcomed Washington’s participation and reiterated its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the two sides in pursuit of a lasting settlement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the talks as a critical opportunity to convert the current ceasefire into a permanent agreement, as tensions continue despite the pause in hostilities.
A senior Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is also participating in the discussions. Both delegations were received separately by Pakistani officials ahead of the talks.
The negotiations come after weeks of conflict and a ceasefire announced earlier this month, with key disputes still unresolved over nuclear activities, sanctions relief, regional security, and strategic waterways.
While Pakistan continues to facilitate the process, both sides have maintained firm positions on core issues, even as international observers have welcomed efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting regional stability.
