Islamabad Talks: Iranian delegation arrives ahead of US-Iran mediation, Iranian media

ISLAMABAD: The Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad ahead of high-level diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan today on Saturday, sources revealed. Iranian news channel Press TV has also confirmed the news that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has arrived to lead the delegation.

As the Iranian aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was received with a ceremonial escort by Pakistani fighter jets. The warplanes accompanied the aircraft through the skies in a show of honour and security until it reached its destination. US Vice President JD Vance also departed from Maryland on Friday and is expected to reach today as well.

The Iranian plane later landed at Nur Khan Airbase, where the visiting delegation was warmly received by Pakistani officials.

The arrival marks an important moment as Islamabad hosts crucial international engagement at a sensitive time for the region. The aerial escort and formal reception underline the significance Pakistan is attaching to the visit and the importance of the discussions expected to take place.

The delegation’s arrival has also drawn attention because of the heightened regional environment, with Islamabad now at the centre of major diplomatic efforts. Officials are expected to hold talks on pressing regional issues, as Pakistan positions itself as host for a significant round of dialogue.

Who will be the possible attendees for the talks?

The White House had said JD Vance will head the American delegation at the upcoming talks. He will be accompanied by President Donald Trump’s senior envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

On the Iranian side, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to represent Tehran. As per Al-Jazeera, there has been no official word on whether the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will send a representative to the meeting.

The question remains significant because the IRGC has been central to Iran’s military posture during the conflict. Any participation from the force could signal how seriously Tehran is treating the talks and what kind of authority its delegation carries.

Ghalibaf’s presence is also notable given his own background as a former IRGC commander. His inclusion, alongside Araghchi, suggests Iran may be combining political and strategic weight in its team as both sides prepare for what could be a highly sensitive diplomatic engagement.