High-level Iran team lands in Islamabad; Dar, Munir welcome delegation

ISLAMABAD: A high-level Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Friday night for ceasefire talks with the United States, while US Vice President JD Vance has left for Pakistan with his delegation.

The talks are taking place against the backdrop of a two-week ceasefire agreed during the war that began after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28.

A temporary ceasefire between the parties was possible after an appeal made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this week, after which formal talks are scheduled for Saturday.

According to the Foreign Office, the Iranian delegation is being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, while the delegation also includes Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the Secretary of the Defense Council, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran and other members of parliament.

Upon arrival in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the Iranian delegation.

The Foreign Office statement said that “the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed the hope that the parties will negotiate constructively, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue its facilitation efforts to reach a lasting and sustainable solution to the conflict.”

The talks between the US and Iran are being hailed as a significant step towards reducing tensions in the region and potentially a lasting peace agreement, with Pakistan once again playing a key diplomatic role.