Iranian Delegation Reaches Islamabad, Israel-Lebanon To Hold Peace Talks Next Week | Top Points

US-Iran Ceasefire: The stage is set as Pakistan prepares to host delegations from the United States and Iran for negotiations over the ongoing war in West Asia. Islamabad has been turned into a heavily secured city, almost like a diplomatic fortress, as authorities extended local holidays until Saturday to manage the high-level US-Iran peace talks.

While Pakistani mediators are working around the clock at the requisitioned Serena Hotel, the atmosphere remains combustible. The urgency of the talks, described as “make or break” by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has also been underscored by a series of sharp warnings from the White House, signalling that while the diplomats are talking, the American military remains on a hair-trigger alert.

Iranian Delegation Reaches Islamabad

Meanwhile, the Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived in Islamabad on Saturday (local time) for high-stakes peace talks. According to state media, the delegation, led by Ghalibaf, includes Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi, Secretary of the Defence Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, and several members of Parliament.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said that the officials were received by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Asim Munir and other high-ranking Pakistani officials.

US Delegation On Its Way

Meanwhile, the United States delegation, led By Vice President JD Vance departed for Islamabad on Friday for weekend talks with Iran. Ahead of his departure, Vance warned Iran not to try to “play” Washington.

Despite the temporary truce struck between the foes, deep disagreements remain as to the way forward in talks aimed at transforming the fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace deal.

Vance, speaking to reporters before taking off for Islamabad, said “if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.”

But “if they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive,” he said.

Trump’s Warning Ahead Of Peace Talks

In a strong and blunt message, US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Friday that the current talks are not between equals but a last chance for a weaker side to negotiate.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said Iran has “no cards” except trying to pressure the world through the Strait of Hormuz. He also pointed to the damage Iran’s forces have suffered in recent weeks.

In a sharp remark, he added that “the only reason they are alive today is to negotiate,” highlighting the high stakes of the talks.

His comments have increased tensions in Islamabad, where mediators are trying to keep the discussions on track, even as Iran has called the remarks aggressive and insulting.

Pakistan PM Thanks Iran, Israel

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has made a stirring appeal to the nation, calling for collective prayer to Allah for the success of the high-stakes US-Iran peace talks in the federal capital.

Sharif expressed profound gratitude that leaders from both the United States and Iran have chosen Pakistan as the neutral ground for these historic negotiations. “By the grace of Allah, Pakistan is hosting these negotiations,” the Prime Minister stated, urging every citizen to pray for a successful outcome that brings “peace and prosperity” to the entire region.

He credited the “crucial role” played by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside Field Marshal Asim Munir, in halting what he described as a potential “Great War” in West Asia. By bringing Washington and Tehran to the table, Sharif asserted that Pakistan has performed a commendable global service, transitioning the narrative from active conflict to “Alhamdulillah, talking peace.”

Israel-Lebanon Peace Talks Next Week

Meanwhile, Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States held first direct contact through a phone call ahead of peace talks scheduled for next week in Washington.

The Lebanese Presidency in its statement said that both countries agreed during the conversation to hold their first official meeting on April 14 at the US State Department in Washington, with the United States acting as mediator.

According to the statement, the call was held between Lebanese envoy Nada Hamadeh Maacoud, and Israeli ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, facilitated by the United States and also included the US ambassador to Lebanon.

Officials said the call is part of ongoing US-led mediation aimed at securing a ceasefire and paving the way for structured negotiations.

A senior official in the Lebanese President’s office has told the BBC that Lebanon will participate in direct negotiations with Israel next week only if there is a ceasefire in place beforehand.

It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised direct talks following what he said were “repeated requests from the Lebanese government”.

“In light of Lebanon’s repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” his office wrote in a statement.