Pakistan’s capital is under great stress because of the high level of tension between two nations who are negotiating with one another to take a ceasefire and make it permanent for the war in Iran that has been going on for three weeks. This will change a short-term ceasefire into a long-term peace settlement with the US-Israel War against Iran.
After the coordinated strikes by the US and Israel killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and started the ongoing war in Iran, killing thousands of people, disrupting oil supplies to the world—through the strait of Hormuz—also making the price for oil go up; Pakistan has emerged as a very important mediator. Prime Minister Imran Khan invited both nations to come to Islamabad after speaking with General Chief of Staff Asim Munir about shuttle diplomacy between both countries.
The talks are scheduled to take place Saturday, at the Serena Hotel located in Islamabad’s Red Zone. The US will be led by Vice President JD Vance and include his team member Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Iran delegation will be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani leaders will have a role in arranging for an indirect discussion between the two countries who are not able to communicate directly with each other.
The framework for negotiations includes Iran’s 10-point document calling for oversight by Iran of the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawal of US forces from the region and a cessation of operations against Iranian-aligned groups. While President Trump has characterized this proposal as “workable,” there are still serious disagreements between the parties over many issues including the size of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and ongoing tensions in Lebanon, where there are ongoing Israeli strikes against Hezbollah. Deep-rooted distrust remains following the collapse of prior negotiations. Due to its geographical location, historical relationships, and neutrality regarding the presence of US military bases, Pakistan has been considered a trustworthy intermediary in these negotiations. While success would de-escalate an already volatile situation that has negatively impacted the global economy, failure will likely result in renewed escalation.