Pakistan writes history as US VP JD Vance arrives in Islamabad for key talks with Iran

ISLAMABAD: It is a moment for the history books as a senior United States delegation, headed by Vice President JD Vance and accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to take part in the Islamabad Talks.

Upon arrival, the delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

Welcoming the visiting dignitaries, Dar acknowledged the United States’ commitment to promoting regional and global peace and stability. He expressed optimism that all sides would engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue during the talks.

The deputy prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued willingness to play a facilitative role in the process, underscoring Islamabad’s support for efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and sustainable resolution to the conflict.

Currently situated within the city’s high-security Red Zone, both parties are expected to engage in formal discussions momentarily.

Central to these proceedings is the exchange of formal drafts outlining each nation’s respective demands. As the talks unfold, the U.S. will evaluate Iran’s proposals while Iran considers the American position. Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in this diplomatic effort, serving as the official mediator with the primary goal of helping both sides find common ground and reach a mutual agreement. Given the high stakes of these deliberations, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on Islamabad. This structured mediation process represents a significant attempt to foster direct communication and resolve long-standing tensions through formal diplomatic channels.

Iranian Delegation Arrives

Earlier in the night, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad ahead of the talks, the Foreign Office confirmed. The delegation was received by senior Pakistani leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Welcoming the delegation, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting diplomacy and reducing tensions, expressing hope that all sides would approach the talks constructively. He reiterated Islamabad’s readiness to continue facilitating efforts aimed at a durable and peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Pakistan has consistently advocated dialogue as the preferred path forward amid a fragile regional security environment. The Islamabad talks are being viewed as a potentially significant step toward easing tensions and advancing broader peace efforts between the two sides.