ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that Pakistan will host delegations from the United States and Iran later this week following their recent ceasefire agreement.

In a post on X, Sharif invited both sides to Islamabad on April 10 for negotiations aimed at reaching a conclusive settlement. “We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace,” he said, expressing optimism for further positive developments.

The announcement follows a two-week ceasefire agreed by Washington and Tehran shortly before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump. Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic channel between the two sides in recent weeks.

Sharif also confirmed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had agreed to participate in the talks during a 45-minute telephone conversation, signalling Tehran’s willingness to pursue negotiations.

The conflict, which began after strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, has since expanded across the region, drawing in multiple actors including Lebanon. While the ceasefire is intended to apply broadly, Israel has indicated it will continue operations against Hezbollah.

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The prime minister credited several countries for supporting diplomatic efforts, including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, and Qatar, as well as Gulf nations for their commitment to regional peace and stability.

Despite historically complex relations, Pakistan currently maintains close ties with both Washington and Tehran, positioning itself as a crucial mediator. Officials say the upcoming talks in Islamabad could play a decisive role in transforming the temporary ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement.