Arabic version: باكستان تستضيف محادثات أمريكية إيرانية تهدف إلى استمرار الحوار

Pakistan is set to host negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, starting Saturday. The discussions come after a recently brokered two-week ceasefire, with Pakistani officials aiming for a modest outcome: an agreement to continue talks despite significant differences between the two nations.

US Vice President JD Vance is leading the American delegation, which includes prominent figures such as President Donald Trump’s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran is expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, although the Iranian delegation has not been officially confirmed. According to Al Jazeera, the goal is to find common ground that allows for ongoing negotiations.

The talks will take place at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, where both delegations will be housed in separate rooms, communicating through Pakistani officials in a format known as proximity talks. This method has historical precedent, as Pakistan previously engaged in similar negotiations during the Geneva Accords concerning Afghanistan.

While the focus remains on achieving a commitment to continue dialogue, the geopolitical landscape poses challenges. Iran has expressed concerns over Israeli military actions in Lebanon, which it views as a threat to the ongoing ceasefire. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that continued Israeli strikes could undermine the negotiations. Conversely, US officials maintain that Lebanon is outside the ceasefire’s terms.

In the lead-up to the talks, Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement has been extensive, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar interacting with numerous world leaders to garner support for Islamabad’s mediation efforts. Analysts suggest that the international backing reflects confidence in Pakistan’s role as a neutral intermediary, crucial for the success of the negotiations.