Islamabad: Uncertainty shrouded the US-Iran dialogue, as there was no official word about the arrival of delegates on Friday, the day set for the start of talks between the two warring sides, even as Pakistan waived visa requirements for journalists and officials attending talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while announcing a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday, had stated that the two countries would hold talks in Islamabad on April 10. He had tagged the presidents of the United States and Iran and other officials in his statement on X.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amir Moghadam in a statement confirmed that a 10-member Iran delegation would arrive in Islamabad.
The delegations from the rival sides are expected to arrive in Islamabad by Thursday night to participate in the talks. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, confirmed the participation of Tehran’s delegation while emphasising that “scepticism” in his country regarding peace talks due to the ceasefire violation by Israel.
“Despite scepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by the Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, invited by Hon. PM Shehbaz Sharif, the Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran,” he said on X.
The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, is also expected to arrive, but no time has been announced for its arrival. Reportedly, he will be joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. No timeframe has been given except for the completion of talks being held on Friday.
