PM Shehbaz leads talks with US Iran delegations in Islamabad

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with visiting US and Iranian delegations on Saturday, as Islamabad stepped up efforts to mediate high-stakes talks between the two sides.

He meets US Vice President JD Vance, joined by envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner. The PM Office says talks focus on cooling tensions (de-escalating fights) and regional hot spots. Sharif is optimistic that these discussions will provide a foundation for permanent peace.

Both sides acclaim open dialogue and the role of Pakistan in negotiations. Ishaq Dar, deputy PM, and Mohsin Naqvi, interior minister join the huddle. They change perspectives on shared matters, looking at the gradual development. In back-to-back visits, Sharif receives lunch with an Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. This preconditions Tehran-Washington negotiations (a US-Iran face-off looms). There is doubt on face-to-face meetings.

Pakistan looks down upon shuttle diplomacy (back-and-forth bridging). Sources report that Sharif talks to each side individually to bridge divides. Iran is adamant: US needs to release frozen assets (asset thaw first, then talk). Ghalibaf goes that far in the 10-point plan of the Iranians, hoping to win more.

The US remains silent, but Iranian media is hinting at progress. These Islamabad meetings spotlight Pakistan’s mediator spot (neutral host shines). Controversies are always there, but communication is free. Watch region watches war would be over, oil would be steady, and trade would increase. Sharif renews efforts for long-lasting peace.