Islamabad, Pakistan — Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian has confirmed Tehran’s participation in Pakistan-hosted peace talks with the United States, aimed at finalizing a peaceful settlement to the ongoing conflict, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Wednesday.
The confirmation followed a 45-minute phone call between President Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the conversation, described as “warm and cordial,” the PM expressed appreciation for the Iranian leadership’s agreement to a ceasefire and acceptance of Pakistan’s invitation to host the negotiations in Islamabad on April 10.
While Iran’s participation is confirmed, the U.S. has not yet officially finalized its attendance. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “nothing is final until announced by the President or the White House.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, stating the country would work closely with all partners to “advance peace and stability in the region and beyond.” The talks are expected to build on the recently declared immediate ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which also extends to Lebanon.
The ceasefire was facilitated after Pakistan’s intervention, with U.S. President Donald Trump agreeing to suspend bombings for two weeks, conditional on Iran reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran would halt defensive operations if attacks against the country were paused.
President Zardari Welcomes Ceasefire
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari hailed the ceasefire as a “timely step that offers space for dialogue, restraint, and a more stable regional environment.” He urged vigilance against spoilers and emphasized that peace is essential for security, economic stability, and the welfare of populations across interconnected regions.
President Zardari expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of Pakistan, the U.S., Iran, and Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, in creating a diplomatic space for de-escalation. He also commended the initiatives of PM Shehbaz, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their leadership and sustained diplomatic engagement.
He concluded by stressing that the ceasefire provides a critical opportunity for the region to recover, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for continued dialogue, confidence-building measures, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Next Steps
Delegations from Iran and the U.S. are expected to convene in Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a conclusive agreement, which could solidify a lasting peace framework in the region.
