US, Iran officials expected in Islamabad ceasefire talks: sources

Iran is expected to be represented by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi while the United States is likely to be represented by Vice President JD Vance and presidential adviser Steve Witkoff alongside Donald Trump’s administration

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 8^th, 2026) The High-level representatives from the United States and Iran are expected to attend ceasefire negotiations scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Friday, diplomatic sources said, as preparations for the talks enter their final phase.

The sources said that the senior delegations from both sides will participate in the discussions. Iran is expected to be represented by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi while the United States is likely to be represented by Vice President JD Vance and presidential adviser Steve Witkoff alongside Donald Trump’s administration.

The proposed talks are part of broader diplomatic efforts aimed at sustaining a ceasefire framework and addressing key issues between the two countries, including security and nuclear-related concerns.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, President Trump said that China played a role in bringing Iran to the negotiating table.

Speaking to a news agency, he claimed that the United States had achieved a “complete” or “100 percent” success in its engagement with Iran.

He further stated that under the two-week ceasefire arrangement, Iran’s uranium-related matters would be managed through an agreed mechanism, adding that such an outcome would not have been possible without a structured agreement.

Following Trump’s announcement to halt military strikes on Iran, international oil markets reacted sharply, with crude prices recording a significant decline. Brent crude dropped by $14.41 per barrel to $94.86, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell by $16.69 per barrel to $96.26, reflecting easing geopolitical tensions and improved market sentiment.