ISLAMABAD(National Times)- After indications that Tehran and Washington will soon reach an understanding to end the weeks-long war in the Middle East, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed hope for another round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad “very soon”.
Background conversations with sources privy to developments suggested that while Islamabad may yet serve as the venue for another round of talks between the warring sides, there were no immediate signs of preparations for such a high-level event.
A source close to PM Shehbaz told Dawn that during his four-day visit to China, the premier had received “serious indications” from the US and Iran regarding delegation-level talks, which could be held soon in Pakistan.
However, another source claimed that not received any such indications.
“The prime minister is currently in China and no such arrangements are being made here… It seems that next round of dialogue will not take place very soon,” a senior PM Office official told Dawn.
Sources said the government will make necessary arrangements for the fresh round of dialogue once the PM returns from China, but there was no confirmation on when these talks might take place.
Islamabad hosted the first round of talks between the US and Iran in April, when US Vice President JD Vance arrived for indirect talks with Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Earlier, in a tweet, the PM congratulated US President Donald Trump on his “extraordinary efforts” to pursue peace and for holding a “very useful and productive” telephone call with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan.
The US president, in a post on his Truth Social platform, revealed that he held a telephone call with world leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Pakistan to discuss the matters related to Iran and a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to peace.
“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, adding that the discussions provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace efforts forward to bring lasting peace in the region.
“Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon,” he added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also lauded the US president’s leadership and “commitment to dialogue and diplomacy”, saying the call marked a “significant step closer toward the shared objective of regional peace, stability, and an early diplomatic outcome”. In a statement on X, Dar commended the US and Iranian leaders for their sustained engagement.
He also praised the efforts of United Nations chief Antonio Guterres as well as “our brotherly regional partners and all other countries, with whom I remained closely engaged throughout this process”.
“The achievements of these negotiations offer grounds for optimism that a positive and durable outcome is within reach,” the DPM wrote. “Dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over conflict and confrontation for the collective prosperity and security of our region and beyond,” he said.
