Middle East conflict: PM, CDF analyse situation ahead of talks

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal and Chief of Defense Forces Syed Asim Munir on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, as Islamabad intensifies efforts to broker a negotiated settlement following weeks of heightened regional tensions.

The pledge came during a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, where Field Marshal Munir, who also serves as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), called on the prime minister to review ongoing diplomatic initiatives, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Both the prime minister and CDF Munir expressed satisfaction over what they described as a gradual de-escalation in hostilities, while underscoring the urgency of sustaining a ceasefire and advancing towards a durable peace agreement.

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“The leadership appreciated the restraint demonstrated by all sides and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate and provide all-out support to both sides to arrive at a peacefully negotiated settlement,” the statement said.

Sharif commended the parties involved for their engagement in the peace process and conveyed optimism regarding the prospects of a diplomatic breakthrough.

He also renewed Pakistan’s invitation to the incoming delegations, assuring them of “the highest consideration and support” during their stay.

The meeting comes ahead of a planned visit by senior delegations from Washington and Tehran, expected in Islamabad this weekend, following the announcement of a temporary truce brokered by Pakistan.

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The conflict, which erupted on February 28 after joint strikes by Israel and the United States targeted Iran, resulted in the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks by Tehran against targets in the Gulf and Israel.

The escalation raised fears of a wider regional war, drawing urgent calls for restraint from global powers.

Pakistan, which maintains strategic ties with both Washington and Tehran, in recent weeks positioned itself as a key intermediary. Its diplomatic channels have been used to relay messages between the two adversaries amid efforts to avert further escalation.

On April 8, a two-week ceasefire was agreed shortly before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for potential military action expired, providing a narrow window for negotiations.

At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US negotiating team, led by Vice President JD Vance, would travel to Pakistan later this week to engage in talks aimed at securing a longer-term settlement.

In a major diplomatic development, Pakistan is set to host Iran–US negotiations beginning on Friday (today) following a two-week temporary truce mediated by Islamabad, which led to a temporary halt to over 40 days of intense conflict.

Senior high-level representatives from key parties have begun converging in Pakistan’s capital for high-stakes talks aimed at consolidating the temporary ceasefire agreement reached between Tehran and Washington.

The US State Department announced on Wednesday that Vice President J.D. Vance will lead Washington’s delegation, which will include Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran will be represented by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the talks.

In this regard, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Cooper appreciated the DPM/FM and paid tribute to Pakistan for its role in achieving the ceasefire, expressing support for Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in the region. Both leaders reaffirmed the strength of close bilateral ties and committed to further enhancing cooperation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026