Islamabad is set to host high-stakes talks. Pakistan signals Iran will attend the second round despite fresh hostilities with the US.
Two Pakistani sources confirmed the development on Monday. The Iranian delegation is likely to arrive on Tuesday. This comes as tensions spike in the Strait of Hormuz.
Delegations Prepare for Islamabad Talks
Tehran has not officially confirmed its participation yet. However, the same delegation from the first round is expected. Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf will likely lead it. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will also join.
The US delegation may arrive late Monday or Tuesday. Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the team. Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will accompany him. Vance may land separately, according to sources.
Washington has released no official statement on the schedule. Nevertheless, two US planes have already landed in Islamabad. They carried advance delegates and security personnel.
Security Lockdown in Place
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the US Embassy on Monday. He discussed security measures for the upcoming talks. The capital and Rawalpindi are now under a security lockdown. Educational institutions remain closed. Thousands of security personnel have deployed to maintain order.
Fragile Ceasefire Nears Expiry
A two-week fragile ceasefire between the warring sides ends on Wednesday. Pakistan brokered this pause after weeks of conflict. The war began on February 28.
Pakistan hosted the first round of talks on April 11-12. Those were the highest-level engagements since 1979. Diplomatic ties between Iran and the US broke that year. The first round remained inconclusive.
Fresh Tensions Erupt
Mounting tensions escalated further on Monday. The US seized an Iranian vessel. In response, Tehran reclosed the Strait of Hormuz. This move raised concerns about the Islamabad talks. Global supplies could face disruption.
President Donald Trump said American naval forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship. The vessel attempted to breach the US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman. US Marines now hold the ship in custody.
Iran warned it would retaliate “soon.” Tehran called the seizure a violation of the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire. That ceasefire has largely held since April 7.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on Islamabad. The second round of talks could prove decisive. Pakistan’s role as mediator remains critical. The ceasefire’s expiry on Wednesday adds urgency. Consequently, the world waits to see if diplomacy can overcome fresh hostilities.
