AFP: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Islamabad will host delegations from the United States and Iran later this week following the Middle East ceasefire announcement.“I extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, April 10, 2026, to further negotiate a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes,” he said in a post on X.
Pakistan, which has maintained close ties with both Washington and Tehran, recently emerged as a key channel for communication between the two sides.“We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and look forward to sharing more positive developments in the coming days,” Sharif added.
Both Tehran and Washington agreed to a two-week ceasefire shortly before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump. The conflict began on February 28, when Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Gulf nations and Israel.
The situation escalated further as Lebanon became involved after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon. Sharif stated that the ceasefire applies broadly, including Lebanon, although Israel has said it does not extend to that front.
The ceasefire followed intense diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and other mediators to prevent further escalation. Turkey, Egypt, and China also played roles in facilitating dialogue.
Despite past tensions with both Iran and the United States, Pakistan currently maintains constructive relations with both, strengthening its position as a mediator. The country also holds strategic ties with regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and China.
Pakistan shares a 900-kilometer border with Iran and hosts one of the world’s largest Shia Muslim populations. It also represents certain Iranian diplomatic interests in Washington, where Iran does not maintain an embassy.
