ISLAMABAD: A high-level Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to participate in crucial Middle East peace talks with the United States, marking a significant diplomatic moment amid ongoing regional tensions.
The delegation, led by Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Baqir Ghalibaph and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi, was received at Nur Khan Airbase by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Syed Mushtaq Reza Naqvi.
A large Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad – signals the seriousness of the talks pic.twitter.com/8es8irwwpg
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) April 11, 2026
Welcoming the visitors, Deputy Prime Minister Dar expressed hope that both sides would engage in the dialogue “in a constructive manner,” reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to continue facilitating efforts for “a lasting and sustainable resolution of the conflict.”
delegation from Iran Just reached Prime Minister house.#امن_کا_سفیر_پاکستان
#IslamabadTalks pic.twitter.com/0OmtU2QkcV— Shakir Abbasi (@ShakirAbbasi22) April 10, 2026
Before departing for Islamabad, Mr Ghalibaph posted on X a photograph of himself inside the aircraft alongside images of Minab school students killed in a US air strike at the outset of the war — a gesture widely interpreted as a reminder of the human cost underpinning the negotiations.
همراهان من در این پرواز#Minab168 pic.twitter.com/xvXmDlSDiF
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 10, 2026
It is interesting to mention here that the talks come against the backdrop of Iran’s earlier declaration on March 25 that it would negotiate only with US Vice President JD Vance. In a dramatic turn, Mr Vance flew to Pakistan on April 11 to meet the Iranian delegation, underscoring the shifting dynamics of the diplomatic process. Observers note that while Washington initially sought to pressure Tehran into regime change, the current trajectory suggests Iran is positioning itself to influence political currents within the United States.
Iran envoy signals Pakistan’s war‑mediation efforts yielding results
