ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday met a high-level Iranian delegation as Pakistan positioned itself at the centre of critical diplomacy ahead of landmark negotiations between the United States and Iran, according to Iranian media reports.
The Iranian delegation, led by Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, held detailed discussions with the prime minister on key bilateral, regional and international issues prior to their engagement with the US side.
Officials said the meeting focused on the evolving regional security situation, ongoing tensions involving Iran, and prospects for dialogue aimed at de-escalation.
Earlier, the delegation arrived in Islamabad late Friday night and was received by senior Pakistani leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Meanwhile, a senior United States delegation led by Vice President JD Vance also arrived in the federal capital to participate in the “Islamabad Talks”. The US team includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner.
With both delegations now present, Islamabad has effectively become the focal point of one of the most consequential diplomatic engagements in recent years, as efforts intensify to end the six-week-long conflict and stabilise the region.
Observers say the stakes are exceptionally high, with the outcome expected to influence not only US-Iran relations but also the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and global energy markets.
Analysts note that Iran enters the talks from a position of relative strategic strength, having retained its nuclear infrastructure and enriched uranium stockpiles despite weeks of conflict. Its demonstrated ability to disrupt global energy flows, particularly through pressure on key maritime routes, is seen as a significant source of leverage.
On the other hand, while the United States has not faced a clear military setback, it confronts a complex negotiating environment shaped by Iran’s regional posture and economic influence.
Diplomatic sources suggest that even if an agreement is reached, questions may persist regarding its durability, particularly in relation to Israel’s stance and the mechanisms for enforcement.
As Pakistan hosts both sides, it continues to play a pivotal mediating role, with authorities implementing heightened security measures across Islamabad to ensure the smooth conduct of the talks.
All eyes are now on the outcome of the negotiations, which could redefine regional alignments and determine whether the current pause in hostilities leads to lasting peace or renewed tensions.