Pakistan to Host US-Iran Talks on Middle East Peace

Pakistan is set to host high-level talks between delegations from the United States and Iran in Islamabad on Friday, April 10, 2026, as part of efforts to secure a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The negotiations follow a two-week ceasefire agreement announced this week, which paused hostilities that erupted on February 28 after Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran resulted in the death of its supreme leader and prompted retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations and Israel.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended invitations to both sides during a federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday, emphasizing that the ceasefire represents only an initial step toward sustainable peace. An Iranian delegation is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad late Thursday, following confirmation from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a conversation with Sharif earlier that day. The U.S. side will be led by Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner, whom Pakistani officials have designated as special guests.

Preparations in Islamabad have intensified to ensure the summit's security and smooth execution....