ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held separate meetings with high-level delegations from Iran and the United States, including US Vice President JD Vance, describing their participation in the “Islamabad Talks” as a potential stepping stone towards lasting peace in the region.
In discussions with both delegations – aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict – Prime Minister Sharif commended their commitment to constructive engagement and described the talks as a significant opportunity to promote regional stability.
During the meeting with US Vice President Vance and his delegation, which included Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s influential son-in-law, PM Sharif praised their dedication to dialogue and expressed hope that the Islamabad Talks would serve as a stepping stone towards durable peace.
Separately, an Iranian delegation led by Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and others, also met with Prime Minister Sharif ahead of the main negotiations.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said PM Sharif welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to acting as a mediator to achieve meaningful outcomes in the interest of regional and global peace and stability.
The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad in the early hours of Saturday, dressed in black, reportedly to mark mourning for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranians killed in the recent US-Israel conflict.
Their participation had remained uncertain until the last moment, as Iran had insisted that Israeli attacks on Lebanon must cease before engaging in talks.
On arrival, the Iranian delegation received a full protocol welcome from top Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who appeared in military uniform.
Later in the day, the US delegation led by Vice President Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner also received full protocol, welcomed by Foreign Minister Dar and Field Marshal Munir, who was in civilian attire.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other senior officials were present during the meetings of the US and Iranian delegations with the prime minister.
The Islamabad Talks represent a rare, high-profile engagement between two longstanding adversaries, highlighting Pakistan’s role as a regional mediator amid escalating tensions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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