TEHRAN – In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that Iran will participate in high-level peace talks with the United States. The announcement follows an extensive dialogue between Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking a definitive shift toward de-escalation after months of intense military conflict in the Middle East.
The agreement comes on the heels of a critical preliminary deal between Washington and Tehran to observe a two-week ceasefire and, crucially, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international maritime traffic. The reopening of this vital waterway is expected to provide immediate relief to global energy markets, which have been under severe strain since hostilities broke out earlier this year.
During a 45-minute telephone conversation, President Pezeshkian reportedly expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s role as a neutral mediator. Prime Minister Sharif, in turn, praised the Iranian leadership for accepting the invitation to hold the summit in Islamabad. While the willingness to negotiate is confirmed, the specific list of delegates who will represent the Iranian side in the upcoming talks remains undisclosed.
The regional conflict reached a boiling point following the events of February 28, 2026, when a joint military operation by Israel and the United States led to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This event triggered a wave of retaliatory strikes and widespread instability that threatened to pull the entire globe into a broader economic and security crisis.
With Pakistan now serving as the host for these historic negotiations, there is a renewed sense of cautious optimism among the international community. The Pakistani government has stated that its primary goal is to facilitate a sustainable “Islamabad Accord” that ensures long-term security, respects regional sovereignty, and prevents further loss of life in the Gulf region.
