Who are expected in Islamabad for Iran-US ceasefire talks scheduled for Friday?

Diplomatic sources say Pakistan’s role has been instrumental in facilitating the ceasefire

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-April 8^th, 2026) Senior representatives from the United States and Iran are set to take part in ceasefire negotiations scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Friday, diplomatic sources said, as preparations for the talks near completion.

The sources said that the Iranian delegation will be led by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. From the US side, Vice President and presidential adviser Steve Witkoff are expected to participate, representing President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Islamabad meeting is expected to bring together key decision-makers from both sides for discussions aimed at consolidating the recently agreed ceasefire and exploring the framework for further engagement.

Diplomatic sources said Pakistan’s role has been instrumental in facilitating the ceasefire, which was agreed between the two countries following sustained behind-the-scenes efforts. They added that Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach has received acknowledgment from both Washington and Tehran.

The talks are anticipated to focus on maintaining the ceasefire and creating conditions for continued dialogue between the two sides.

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, while welcoming the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, called on all the parties to the current conflict in the middle East to comply with their obligations under international law and to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed the confidence that the negotiation process will be conducted in good faith with a firm resolve to seeking lasting resolution to the issues currently facing the region.

The Malaysian Prime Minister also extended sincere congratulations and deep appreciation to Pakistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the tireless and courageous diplomacy that helped bring this moment about.

He said Pakistan's willingness to speak to all sides, without fear or favour, reflects the highest traditions of Muslim solidarity and international responsibility.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hailed the ceasefire and thanked Pakistan for its role in mediating the truce. He said that the aim in the coming days should be to negotiate a lasting end to war through diplomatic channels.

Indonesia, while welcoming the ceasefire, called on Iran and the US to respect the “sovereignty, territorial integrity and diplomacy” of each side.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, issued a joint statement welcoming the news and expressing their hopes that the deal will lead to a long-lasting resolution.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ceasefire represents a very important opportunity that must be seized to make room for negotiations, diplomacy and constructive dialogue.

The Ministry said in a statement on Facebook that a truce must be built upon with a full commitment to stopping military operations and respecting freedom of international navigation.

New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters welcomed the truce, but said much more needed to be done.

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, praised an agreement aimed at a full cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, achieved through the mediation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The Foreign Ministry of Oman said it welcomes the announcement and appreciated the efforts of Pakistan and all parties calling for an end to the war.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that Tokyo welcomes the news of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran as a “positive move” as it awaits a “final agreement”. Minoru said the de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East remains a top priority.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott thanked Pakistan for the quiet, effective and diplomatic role it played in bringing about the vital ceasefire.