US delegation to arrive in Islamabad for peace talks after ceasefire
A high-level US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner is set to arrive in Islamabad for in-person peace talks following the recently announced two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
The development was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that the talks will begin on Saturday morning in Islamabad.
The visit marks a significant diplomatic step after Pakistan’s reported role in helping broker the temporary truce between Washington and Tehran.
The ceasefire came after US President Donald Trump stepped back from a possible wider military action against Iran shortly before a deadline linked to Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He later said the US would engage with Iran during the ceasefire period, with discussions expected to include tariff relief and the easing of sanctions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also believed to have played a role in easing tensions by urging Washington to allow more time for diplomacy. He reportedly requested a two-week window before any escalation, which was later confirmed by the US side.
The arrival of the US delegation also explains the heightened security measures observed in Islamabad over the past two days.
Authorities have declared local holidays, closed schools and colleges, and restricted the entry of heavy vehicles into the city. Public hiking trails have been shut, while Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education exams are continuing under special arrangements.
Security preparations have also led to the clearance of Serena Hotel in Islamabad, where the talks are expected to take place.
These developments suggest that Islamabad is preparing for one of its most sensitive diplomatic engagements in recent years, placing Pakistan at the centre of a critical phase in US-Iran negotiations.
Further updates are expected as the talks begin.
