US and Iranian leaders head to Islamabad for high-stakes talks after six weeks of deadly war
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Photo: X/ File
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that delegates, journalists and other representatives of nations coming to Islamabad to attend the ‘Islamabad Talks 2026’ will be issued visas on arrival
In a post on X, he said: “Pakistan welcomes all delegates, including journalists from the participating nations, traveling in connection with the Islamabad Talks 2026. To this end, all airlines are requested to allow boarding of all such persons without visas. The immigration authorities of Pakistan will issue visas to them on arrival.”
Pakistan welcomes all delegates including journalists from participating nations traveling in connection with Islamabad Talks 2026. To this end, all airlines are requested to allow boarding of all such persons without visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them… pic.twitter.com/mvWJyv2P4s
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) 10 April 2026
Pakistan is set to host what could prove to be one of the most consequential diplomatic engagements in recent history as senior leaders from the United States and Iran arrive in Islamabad for high-stakes talks following a devastating six-week war that has left thousands dead and pushed the global economy to the brink of recession.
Just three days after a fragile and hard-won ceasefire, the talks scheduled for Friday aim to determine whether the tenuous ceasefire can be turned into a lasting peace deal. With tensions still simmering in the Middle East, the Islamabad dialogue is being closely watched by world capitals as a critical test of diplomacy over conflict.
The US delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by President Donald Trump’s key Middle East envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. On the Iranian side, Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf is expected to head the delegation along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials.
The presence of such dignitaries emphasizes both the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
Islamabad has effectively been placed under an unprecedented security lockdown ahead of the talks. Key routes have been sealed off, security personnel heavily deployed and surveillance tightened to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. Officials say the talks will take place in a secure, undisclosed location, away from the media spotlight.
