Pakistan prepares for pivotal US-Iran talks as ceasefire deadline looms
By Sabeeh Zanair :
Pakistan is preparing to host a high-stakes second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, with talks expected to take place just hours before a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the two sides is due to expire.
Uncertainty continues to surround the planned discussions, as Tehran has yet to formally confirm its participation. However, signs on the ground suggest preparations are moving ahead, with a US delegation led by JD Vance expected to travel to the Pakistani capital alongside senior officials.
There has been some confusion over the timing of the visit. Donald Trump told a US publication that his vice president was already en route to Islamabad, while White House officials indicated the delegation would depart on Tuesday, with talks likely to be held on Wednesday.
While Washington’s participation appears certain, Iran has maintained a cautious stance. Even after its foreign ministry said a final decision had not been made, reports of US military aircraft arriving at Nur Khan Airbase pointed to ongoing logistical preparations.
Tehran has accused Washington of failing to honour the ceasefire agreement and has called for an end to the US naval blockade of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz before entering negotiations.
In a statement posted online, Masoud Pezeshkian said meaningful dialogue depended on trust and respect for commitments, warning that Iranians would not yield to pressure.
Diplomatic sources in Islamabad suggested the uncertainty reflected pre-negotiation positioning by both sides, adding that backchannel communication between Washington and Tehran remained active.
According to reports, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir has been in contact with President Trump, emphasising that the blockade was hindering diplomatic progress. However, Mr Trump has signalled he intends to maintain the measure, arguing it is exerting significant economic pressure on Iran.
Officials in Pakistan say preparations for the talks are in their final stages. Advance teams from the United States have already arrived, with multiple aircraft bringing personnel and equipment over recent days. Security across Islamabad and Rawalpindi has been tightened, with thousands of personnel deployed.
Meetings have also taken place between US and Iranian representatives and Pakistan’s interior ministry to finalise security arrangements, underscoring Islamabad’s readiness to facilitate the dialogue.
The urgency surrounding the talks is driven by the imminent expiry of a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan earlier this month. The truce is due to lapse on Tuesday evening in Washington, corresponding to Wednesday morning in Iran.
President Trump has offered mixed signals about whether the ceasefire could be extended, warning that fighting could resume in the absence of an agreement while also leaving open the possibility of prolonging the truce if necessary.
Officials caution that the situation remains fluid, with the outcome of the proposed talks likely to shape the next phase of relations between the two countries.
About Author
