ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed hope that another round of peace talks between the United States and Iran could soon be held in Islamabad, amid indications that Tehran and Washington may be nearing an understanding to end weeks of conflict in the Middle East.
However, background discussions with sources familiar with the developments suggested that although Islamabad could once again serve as the venue for talks between the two sides, there were no immediate signs of preparations for such a high-level diplomatic engagement.
A source close to PM Shehbaz told that during the premier’s ongoing four-day visit to China, he had received “serious indications” from both the US and Iran regarding possible delegation-level talks that could be hosted in Pakistan in the near future as stated by Dawn News.
Another source, however, denied receiving any such indications.
“The prime minister is currently in China and no such arrangements are being made here. It seems that the next round of dialogue will not take place very soon,” a senior official at the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Sources said the government would begin making the necessary arrangements for the next round of talks after PM Shehbaz returns from China, although there was no confirmation regarding the timing of the proposed dialogue.
Islamabad previously hosted the first round of talks between the US and Iran in April. During that visit, US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Pakistan for indirect discussions with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz congratulated US President Donald Trump on his “extraordinary efforts” for peace and described his recent telephone conversation with leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE and Jordan as “very useful and productive”.
President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said he had held a telephone call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Pakistan to discuss matters related to Iran and a memorandum of understanding concerning peace efforts.
“Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir represented Pakistan in the telephone call and I greatly appreciate his tireless efforts during the entire process,” PM Shehbaz wrote.
The premier added that the discussions offered an important opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and ways to move ongoing peace efforts forward in pursuit of lasting stability in the Middle East.
“Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also praised President Trump’s leadership and commitment to diplomacy, saying the conversation marked a “significant step closer” toward regional peace, stability and an early diplomatic resolution.
In a statement posted on X, Dar commended both the American and Iranian leaderships for continuing diplomatic engagement despite tensions in the region.
He also acknowledged the role played by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with regional allies and other countries with whom he remained in close contact throughout the process.
“The achievements of these negotiations offer grounds for optimism that a positive and durable outcome is within reach,” Dar wrote.
“Dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over conflict and confrontation for the collective prosperity and security of our region and beyond,” he added.