ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday met US Vice President JD Vance, along with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, at the Prime Minister’s Office as Pakistan hosts high-level negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier was joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during the meeting.
The prime minister appreciated the willingness of both delegations to engage in dialogue and expressed hope that the ongoing talks would serve as a stepping stone toward lasting peace in the region. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating both sides in achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Vice President Vance arrived in Islamabad as part of a US delegation to participate in the negotiations, termed the “Islamabad Talks 2026,” aimed at addressing the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Upon arrival, the delegation was received by Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and Mohsin Naqvi, along with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker.
Dar welcomed the US delegation and commended Washington’s commitment to regional and global peace, expressing optimism that the parties would engage constructively. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to continue facilitating efforts toward a durable settlement.
Ahead of his visit, Vance had expressed cautious optimism about the talks, stating that the United States was prepared for meaningful negotiations, while emphasising that progress would depend on Iran’s willingness to engage in good faith.
The negotiations come in the wake of a six-week conflict that has caused widespread casualties, disrupted energy markets, and strained the global economy. Delegations from both the United States and Iran, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, have gathered in Islamabad for the high-stakes talks.
As Pakistan hosts what is being viewed as a critical diplomatic effort, Islamabad has been placed under heightened security, with key routes sealed and strict measures implemented to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. The negotiations are being held at a secure, undisclosed location.
Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a key mediator in the region following recent escalation, including US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on regional targets. In response, Islamabad intensified diplomatic outreach to de-escalate tensions.
Earlier, Pakistan hosted a quadrilateral meeting involving Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which was widely praised. Additionally, Pakistan and China jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
