Islamabad: United States Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Pakistan’s capital to take part in high-stakes peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran, marking a critical moment in global diplomacy after weeks of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The US delegation, which includes key envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, landed in Islamabad on Saturday and was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with senior military and government officials.
Meanwhile, the Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament xSpeaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had already reached Pakistan a day earlier, signaling both sides’ readiness to engage in dialogue.
These negotiations, dubbed the “Islamabad Talks 2026,” come after a fragile two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. The truce aims to halt hostilities temporarily and create space for diplomatic efforts, though major disagreements still remain unresolved.
At the core of the discussions is Iran’s 10-point proposal, which includes key demands such as sanctions relief, oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, and withdrawal of US forces from the region. While Washington has described the proposal as a potential starting point, both sides continue to differ on several critical issues.
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the crisis, actively engaging global and regional powers to reduce tensions. Earlier diplomatic efforts, including meetings with countries like Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have further strengthened Islamabad’s position as a facilitator of peace.
Security in the federal capital has been significantly tightened ahead of the talks. Thousands of police and security personnel have been deployed, major roads sealed, and the Red Zone placed under strict lockdown to ensure the safety of foreign dignitaries.
The outcome of these talks is being closely watched worldwide, as the ongoing conflict has disrupted global energy markets, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for oil and gas shipments.
With trust between Washington and Tehran still fragile, the Islamabad talks represent a crucial opportunity to turn a temporary ceasefire into a long-term peace agreement and bring stability to the region.
