By Khawaja Hamza
Islamabad, Pakistan has successfully facilitated a ceasefire and brought the United States and Iran to the negotiating table after decades, following intense and sustained diplomatic efforts led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to official statements, the diplomatic engagement spanned more than 30 hours of continuous negotiations, involving multiple high-level sessions between the two sides. The talks, held in Islamabad, marked a significant step toward easing tensions in a long-standing and complex conflict.
The United States delegation was led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran was represented by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. Both sides acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in mediating the dialogue and helping secure the ceasefire.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier called for an immediate ceasefire and invited both parties to Islamabad for peace talks. The mediation process was supported by senior military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, who contributed to facilitating the discussions.
Officials described the talks as “intense and constructive,” noting that while significant progress was made and several positive developments emerged, the conflict remains complicated due to longstanding differences, domestic pressures on both sides, and the presence of external influencing factors.
Pakistan emphasized that details of the negotiations would remain confidential, reiterating that its role was strictly that of a neutral mediator. However, statements from US Vice President JD Vance referencing proposals made during the talks have been seen as a positive indication for future engagement.
At the conclusion of the talks, Pakistan expressed hope that both sides would build on the current momentum to achieve durable peace and stability in the region. Authorities also stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and continuing diplomatic engagement.
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to playing an active role in facilitating further dialogue between the United States and Iran in the days ahead, describing its efforts as a significant contribution to regional and global peace.
