Intense diplomatic activity is unfolding in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, which could lead to the first direct talks between the United States and Iran in decades. Pakistan is acting as an active mediator, seeking to turn a temporary ceasefire into a broader negotiating process aimed at achieving sustainable calm in the volatile region. Senior delegations from both sides have arrived in the city, signaling the seriousness of their intentions.
The Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who was received by high-ranking Pakistani officials, including ministers and the speaker of the parliament. Notably present was the commander of the Pakistani army in uniform, underscoring the key role of the country’s military establishment in this process. The American delegation was headed by Vice President J.D. Vance, who was also met by officials, including the same army commander, but this time in civilian clothes, indicating different ceremonial nuances.
Following the vice president, other American representatives arrived in Islamabad, such as Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Whitkoff, reflecting Washington’s multi-layered approach. Diplomatic sources express great hope that direct talks between the parties will begin within hours. If this happens, it will be a historic event—the first meeting at the same table in many years, possibly with a Pakistani mediator present.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is preparing to receive the Iranian delegation at his residence, and then to meet separately with the American delegation, reflecting the delicacy of the moment. In a televised address, Sharif confirmed the intention to develop the ceasefire agreement into a “comprehensive agreement” leading to a broader resolution of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly in the Persian Gulf zone. These statements set a clear political goal for the current discussions.
Behind the scenes, Pakistan’s military and intelligence services play a noticeable role in the mediation efforts; they are reported to have conducted covert work persuading the parties of the need for de-escalation. In the context of these events, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week halt to strikes on Iran, but tied it to the full and immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz — a key maritime route for global oil trade.
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How influential is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Iran’s leadership beyond his role as parliament speaker? - Ghalibaf is one of Iran’s most influential conservative politicians. A former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and former mayor of Tehran, he has strong ties to the security apparatus and revolutionary institutions. His influence extends beyond the parliament, as he is considered a potential successor to the Supreme Leader and plays a key role in shaping conservative policy, particularly on economic and foreign policy issues.
Why are Pakistan’s military and intelligence services playing such a prominent role in diplomatic mediation between the US and Iran, and what is their traditional stance in regional conflicts? - Pakistan has historically maintained complex relations with both countries: it is an ally of the United States but also shares a long border and cultural-religious ties with Iran. Pakistan’s military and intelligence (ISI) often act as unofficial diplomatic channels because they enjoy the trust of both sides and are invested in regional stability. Traditionally, Pakistan tries to balance between Saudi Arabia (a US ally) and Iran, avoiding overt alignment with any coalition in Middle Eastern conflicts.
What are the specific Iranian and American grievances and “red lines” in the Persian Gulf region that made such talks necessary, beyond the issue of the Strait of Hormuz? - For Iran, red lines include: the presence of US troops in the region, sanctions on its oil exports, and US support for regional rivals (Saudi Arabia, Israel). For the US, key concerns are: safe navigation, preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and stopping Iran’s support for proxy groups in the region. Talks became necessary due to the risk of military escalation after incidents involving tankers and attacks on oil facilities.
Full version: دور محوري للجيش.. هكذا جمعت إسلام آباد بين واشنطن وطهران لمفاوضات صعبة