ISLAMABAD: Delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to depart for Pakistan today ahead of a planned second round of peace talks in Islamabad, sources said on Friday.
According to government sources, the Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is likely to reach the federal capital later tonight. A US logistics and security team is already present in Islamabad in preparation for the talks.
Sources said the development follows key diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan’s mediation team.
The update comes shortly after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasised the need for continued dialogue between Washington and Tehran, calling diplomacy essential for regional peace and stability. His remarks came during a phone conversation with Araghchi, the Foreign Office said.
During the call, both sides discussed the ongoing ceasefire and Pakistan’s role in facilitating engagement between the US and Iran. The Iranian foreign minister appreciated Islamabad’s consistent efforts to advance dialogue.
Plans for a second round of talks had faced uncertainty after both sides failed to agree on steps related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions escalated after Iran blocked the strategic waterway following US and Israeli strikes on February 28, and launched retaliatory attacks on Israel and US bases in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif helped broker a two-week ceasefire on April 8 and hosted the first round of talks in Islamabad on April 11, which ended without a final agreement.
Subsequently, US President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports, prompting Iran to again close the Strait of Hormuz after briefly reopening it on April 17.
Despite ongoing tensions, Pakistan has continued diplomatic efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. Just before the ceasefire was due to expire on April 22, Trump announced an extension, saying it was at Pakistan’s request to allow time for further discussions and a unified proposal from Iran.