Global attention is turning towards Islamabad, where Pakistan is preparing to host negotiations between the United States and Iran on Saturday, aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire.
These diplomatic efforts follow the implementation of a two week truce that came into effect on Wednesday evening, temporarily halting a 40 day war that began on 28 February after a large-scale US-Israeli strike on Tehran.
Iranian Delegation
Iranian state television reported that a delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has arrived in Islamabad for the negotiations.
The delegation also includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Secretary of the Defence Council, the Governor of the Central Bank, along with security, political, military, and economic committees.
US Delegation
A White House deputy spokesperson told Al Jazeera that President Donald Trump has tasked Vice President JD Vance, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and his son in law Jared Kushner to lead negotiations with Iran in Islamabad.
Officials from the National Security Council, as well as the Departments of State and Defence, are also part of the delegation to support the talks.
US Position Ahead of Talks
President Trump stated on Friday that Iran holds no real negotiating leverage, except for its control over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that Iran’s only leverage lies in short term pressure through international waterways, adding that negotiations are the only reason the country remains intact at present.
He also warned that Iran could face renewed strikes if the talks in Pakistan fail under the current ceasefire framework, according to remarks reported by the New York Post.
Trump further stated that the United States is currently loading ships with what he described as the most advanced ammunition and weapons ever produced, warning that they would be used with significant force if no agreement is reached.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking before departing Andrews Air Force Base, said the US would attempt to engage in constructive negotiations, adding that Washington is prepared to extend goodwill if Iran negotiates in good faith, but would not tolerate attempts at manipulation.
Iranian Position
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf set clear preconditions on Friday, demanding a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian assets before the negotiations begin.
In a post on X, he stated that these two agreed measures have yet to be implemented and must be fulfilled prior to the start of talks.
Israeli Position
Israel’s public broadcaster reported that the Israeli military is preparing for the possibility that negotiations between Washington and Tehran may collapse, which could lead to a resumption of military operations.
An Israeli official was quoted as saying that if a substantive agreement is not reached, Israel would be forced to return to action against Iran.
Pakistan’s Role as Mediator
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a critical opportunity to achieve a permanent ceasefire in the conflict that has gripped the Middle East in recent weeks.
He stated that both sides appear ready to negotiate and resolve their differences through dialogue, with Pakistan aiming to move beyond temporary arrangements towards a lasting end to the war.
Pakistan’s value as a mediator is reinforced by its extensive diplomatic network. Iran was the first country to recognise Pakistan following its independence in 1947, and the two nations share a 900 kilometre border, alongside deep historical, cultural, and religious ties.
At the same time, Islamabad has maintained strong relations with Washington, Tehran, Riyadh, and Beijing.
Lebanon’s Position in the Talks
When the ceasefire was initially announced, Pakistan indicated that it covered all fronts, including Lebanon. However, both the United States and Israel later rejected this interpretation.
According to Iran’s Tasnim Agency, a source stated that negotiations would be suspended if the United States fails to uphold a ceasefire in Lebanon and if Israeli attacks continue.
The United States and Israel maintain that the ceasefire with Iran does not extend to Lebanon. However, in a shift on Thursday, Israel announced plans to hold separate talks with the Lebanese government aimed at ending the conflict there and disarming Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that instructions had been issued to begin peace talks with Lebanon as soon as possible.
A US State Department official also confirmed that Washington will host a meeting next week between Israel and Lebanon.
Key Issues Under Negotiation
The gap between the two sides remains significant. The US proposal, consisting of 15 points, focuses on Iran’s enriched uranium programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
In contrast, Iran has presented a 10 point plan that includes demands for control over the Strait, the imposition of transit fees on passing vessels, a complete halt to military operations in the region, and the lifting of all sanctions.
The Washington Post reported that the US delegation also intends to push for the release of American detainees held in Iran as part of the broader negotiations to end the war.
Security Measures in Islamabad
Islamabad has implemented extensive security measures ahead of the talks. Authorities declared Thursday and Friday public holidays, and the city has taken on a quieter than usual atmosphere.
Armed security personnel have been deployed across key areas, with road closures, diversions, and checkpoints in place. Officials stated that the arrangements exceed standard protocols for high level visits, including enhanced airspace monitoring and emergency services on high alert.
While the Pakistani government has not officially confirmed the exact timing or location of the talks, guests at the Serena Hotel near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the fortified Red Zone were asked to vacate on Wednesday.
The negotiations are expected to take place indirectly, with delegations seated in separate rooms while Pakistani officials shuttle between them to relay proposals, similar to previous rounds mediated by Oman.
