Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for US-Iran talks amid ceasefire, received by Asim Munir

A high-level Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to participate in crucial talks with the United States, taking place amid a fragile two-week ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. The delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, was received by top Pakistani leadership, including Asim Munir, marking the beginning of a closely watched diplomatic engagement.

The talks are expected to formally begin after the arrival of the US delegation led by Vice President J D Vance, which was en route to Islamabad. Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator in the crisis, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier announcing the ceasefire and offering to host negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions in West Asia.

However, the discussions are clouded by uncertainty, with Iran reiterating that certain preconditions must be met before formal negotiations begin. These include a complete ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian assets. Iranian leadership has also raised concerns over continued Israeli strikes, warning that any violation of the ceasefire could undermine the entire negotiation process.

The conflict, which escalated after military action earlier this year, has drawn global attention due to its potential impact on regional stability and energy markets. Pakistan’s diplomatic push has brought both sides to the table, but the outcome remains uncertain as both parties maintain firm positions on key issues.

Security in Islamabad has been significantly tightened ahead of the talks, with thousands of personnel deployed and key zones placed under strict surveillance. The negotiations are being closely monitored worldwide, as their success or failure could have far-reaching consequences for peace efforts in West Asia and broader international relations.