Pakistan will host high-level delegations from the United States and Iran in Islamabad this week to push for a permanent settlement following a fragile ceasefire, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday.
The talks, expected to begin over the weekend, come after Washington and Tehran agreed to a two-week ceasefire just hours before a deadline set by Donald Trump. The US delegation is set to be led by JD Vance, alongside envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, although participation remains subject to security considerations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he had invited both sides to Islamabad for “conclusive negotiations,” expressing hope that the “Islamabad Talks” would lead to sustainable peace. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed participation during a phone call with the Pakistani premier, signalling cautious diplomatic momentum.
The ceasefire follows 39 days of conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which escalated into a broader regional confrontation involving retaliatory attacks and the opening of fronts in Lebanon. While the truce formally applies across theatres, including Lebanon, Israel has indicated it will continue operations against Hezbollah, raising concerns about its durability.
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, leveraging its ties with both Washington and Tehran. Other states, including China, Turkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have also supported mediation efforts.
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, violations of the ceasefire have already been reported, underscoring the fragility of the agreement. Tehran has also conditioned full engagement on developments in Lebanon and the reopening of critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Shehbaz Sharif urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning that continued breaches could derail negotiations at a critical juncture.