US delegation likely to land in Pakistan this week for possible Iran talks: report

Islamabad (Web Desk): Multiple international media outlets have reported that Pakistan is being considered as a possible venue for talks between the United States (US) and Iran later this week, as Washington appears to be shifting toward diplomatic engagement after President Donald Trump moved from issuing threats to endorsing negotiations with Tehran.

The report noted that JD Vance may take part in the proposed meeting, while Türkiye, Egypt, and Oman are also involved in mediation initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire and guaranteeing safe navigation through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s altered stance represents a significant departure from his earlier warning that Iran’s power infrastructure could be targeted if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within 48 hours.

The pivot toward diplomacy reportedly came after Gulf allies cautioned that strikes on civilian facilities in Iran could lead to severe escalation.

Despite these signals, the likelihood of talks remains uncertain. Iran has dismissed reports of negotiations with the United States (US), and media sources indicate that no direct contacts between Washington and Tehran have been confirmed since the conflict began, even though Trump has claimed progress in dialogue.

According to the report, the United States transmitted a 15-point framework to Iran via Pakistan.

The proposed conditions include a lasting ban on Iran developing nuclear weapons, curbs on its military capacity, an end to its support for proxy forces, and recognition of Israel’s right to exist.

Trump has also said that Washington seeks control of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, which he claims is stored beneath the Isfahan nuclear site hit during a US strike in June.

Pakistan’s involvement in diplomatic efforts was also underscored by the Financial Times, which reported that Islamabad is positioning itself as a principal mediator.

In this context, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir held a conversation with President Trump, as cited by Reuters, referencing individuals familiar with the exchange.

The report further stated that senior Pakistani officials have been facilitating discreet communication channels linking Tehran with US figures such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

As part of broader diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has remained in steady contact with international and regional leaders.

In a recent telephone conversation, he spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the importance of dialogue and cooperation among neighbouring countries to resolve disputes peacefully.

Echoing this position, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated that Pakistan stands ready to host negotiations if both parties agree.

The country’s balanced diplomatic approach has received recognition for maintaining constructive relations with key stakeholders while working to reduce regional tensions.

The conflict, which began on February 28 with military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, has resulted in more than 2,000 fatalities and triggered widespread economic disruption, including market instability, rising fuel prices, and heightened concerns about global inflation, while also putting strain on Western defence alliances.

Political analysts view the anticipated presence of the US Vice President and the Iranian parliamentary speaker in Islamabad at the same time as a major success for Pakistan’s foreign policy.

They believe this development could help reduce the risk of further conflict in the region while also strengthening Pakistan’s image internationally as an effective mediator committed to promoting peace.