Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
Pakistan prepares to host high level discussions between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, with both sides expected to begin rare direct engagement on Saturday following a fragile truce.
Authorities tightened security in the capital ahead of the arrival of delegations on Friday, while officials have yet to disclose the full agenda of the negotiations.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said participants, including members of the media, would be granted visas upon arrival to facilitate coverage and attendance at the talks.
Ishtiaq Ahmad, a professor of international relations based in Islamabad, said global attention is focused on the outcome, noting that regional stability hinges on the discussions and that while demands from both sides remain firm, compromise remains possible with broad international backing.
The planned talks follow a 14 day ceasefire brokered earlier in the week after more than a month of hostilities involving US and Israeli attacks on Iran that left thousands dead, including top leadership figures.
Ahmad said prospects for dialogue have improved after recent developments in the region, including moves by Israel to open separate talks with Lebanon following renewed strikes.
The United States delegation was expected to be headed by Vice President JD Vance, alongside senior officials and envoys, while Pakistani sources said Iran’s team would include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary leaders, although Tehran has yet to confirm its lineup.
Officials said discussions in Islamabad may extend beyond a single day and could involve both direct and indirect exchanges aimed at securing a more lasting ceasefire, marking one of the most significant face to face engagements between the two sides in decades.