Iran’s participation awaited as ceasefire deadline nears: Attah Tarar

The Information Minister Attahullah Tarar has said that Iran’s formal confirmation regarding sending a delegation to attend the Islamabad Peace Talks is still awaited.

Tarar, taking to social media account on X, said that the confirm decision from Iran side is still awaited, as Pakistan is fully prepared to host phase two of the US-Iran talks.

However, Pakistan, acting as a mediator, remains in constant contact with Iranian officials and continues to pursue a diplomatic path focused on dialogue and engagement, the minister said in his post.

The situation as it stands at 1930 PST

1. Formal response from Iranian side about confirmation of delegation to attend Islamabad Peace Talks is still awaited.

2. ⁠Pakistan as the mediator is in constant touch with Iranians and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue.

3.…

— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) April 21, 2026

In parallel diplomatic efforts, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the United States and Iran to consider extending the ceasefire and give diplomacy a chance during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad, according to the Foreign Office.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s stance that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability. He also stressed the need for continued engagement between Washington and Tehran and called on both sides to extend the ceasefire to create space for negotiations.

The current ceasefire is set to end at 4:50 AM PST on April 22, making Iran’s decision to participate in the talks before the end of the two-week truce a critical development.

Pakistan has made sustained and sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to take part in the second round of talks, and these diplomatic efforts are still ongoing. Meanwhile, the US side has expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s “constructive and positive role” in promoting regional peace and facilitating dialogue.