A high-level Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Friday night for the high-stakes talks with US officials, as diplomatic efforts intensify to ease tensions following a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan.
The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials.
The delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The Iranian delegation led by parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is welcomed by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
According to Iranian media, discussions are expected to begin on Saturday afternoon, contingent upon Tehran’s preconditions being met — notably a halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Large delegation signals serious engagement
Iran’s delegation reportedly consists of 71 members, including negotiators, technical advisers, security personnel, and media representatives.
Key figures include Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, Supreme National Defence Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
US delegation en route
US Vice President JD Vance boards Air Force Two for expected departure to Pakistan for talks on Iran, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US.
A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad soon to attend the talks.
According to sources, the talks are set to focus on two primary issues: Iran’s nuclear programme and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has restricted amid ongoing hostilities.
UN urges diplomatic breakthrough
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on both sides to seize the opportunity for diplomacy.
Through spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres emphasised the talks as a chance for de-escalation and preventing renewed conflict.
The UN’s personal envoy, Jean Arnault, currently in Tehran, is expected to remain in the region to support diplomatic initiatives, though no specific plans have been announced for participation in the Islamabad talks.
