Iranian delegation lands in Islamabad for high-stakes peace talks with US

Islamabad (Web Desk): A high-level Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad amid efforts to de-escalate ongoing tensions in the Middle East and explore the prospects of a ceasefire arrangement with the United States.

The delegation, led by led by Speaker of Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reached the federal capital on what observers describe as a critical diplomatic mission involving multiple layers of political, defence and economic leadership from Tehran.

The delegation also includes, Supreme National Defence Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin, underscoring the broad institutional representation accompanying the visit.

Upon arrival at Noor Khan Air Base, the delegation was warmly received by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

DPM Dar voiced confidence that the participating sides would engage in meaningful and positive discussions. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to continue serving as a facilitator and emphasised the country’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and stable resolution to the conflict.

Diplomatic analysts have termed the visit a potentially significant development in regional geopolitics, particularly given the presence of key figures from Iran’s political, defence, and economic establishment.

According to official sources, the Iranian team is expected to engage with the US negotiating delegation in Islamabad to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire framework.

However, even before the formal commencement of talks, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated Iran’s firm stance, stating on social media that Tehran remains committed to its core position. He noted that two fundamental conditions had been agreed upon for any ceasefire arrangement, including the immediate release of frozen Iranian assets and the enforcement of an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, both of which, he said, have yet to be implemented.

Meanwhile, flight tracking website Flightradar24 has reported the arrival of two official aircraft from Iran in Islamabad, further validating the high-level nature of the delegation’s movement.

The development comes at a time when Pakistan is playing an increasingly important mediating role in efforts to stabilize the region.

Diplomatic circles suggest that any meaningful progress in these discussions could mark a significant first step toward ending prolonged military tensions in the Middle East.