Pakistan to Host US–Iran Ceasefire Talks in Islamabad on Friday
News Desk
Islamabad: Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Pakistan will host crucial ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran on Friday, April 10, as diplomatic efforts intensify to turn a temporary truce into a lasting agreement.
In a statement, the premier invited delegations from both sides to Islamabad for what he termed the “Islamabad Talks,” expressing hope that negotiations would lead to a “conclusive agreement” and sustainable peace.
The development follows a last-minute two-week ceasefire agreed upon by Washington and Tehran, announced just before a deadline set by Donald Trump for potential escalation expired. The truce came after days of heightened tensions and fears of a wider regional war.
Pakistan has recently emerged as a key diplomatic conduit between the two adversaries, leveraging its working relations with both capitals. During a 45-minute phone call, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed Tehran’s participation in the Islamabad negotiations, according to the prime minister.
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The conflict traces back to February 28, when joint strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran, triggering a wave of retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region. The situation further escalated as Hezbollah entered the fray, prompting continued Israeli operations, particularly in Lebanon.
While Pakistan has stated that the ceasefire should apply across all fronts, including Lebanon, Israel has indicated it will continue military actions against Hezbollah, underscoring the fragility of the truce.
The ceasefire itself followed urgent diplomatic intervention by multiple countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, and Qatar, all of whom supported efforts to de-escalate the crisis and bring both sides to the negotiating table.
Pakistan’s role has been particularly significant given its strategic position and its ability to maintain ties with both Washington and Tehran. The country shares a 900-kilometre border with Iran and also represents certain Iranian diplomatic interests in the United States, where Tehran lacks formal diplomatic presence.
Officials in Islamabad say they are optimistic that the upcoming talks could pave the way for a broader settlement, even as challenges remain on the ground.
