Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is expected to meet a high-ranking Iranian delegation led by Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf in Islamabad, amidst increasing tensions between the United States and Iran.
According to Iranian media, the visiting delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as the head of the political committee, Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati as the head of the economic committee, and Admiral Ali Shamkhani as the head of the military committee. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has assured that his team will engage in negotiations with courage and bravery, prioritizing Iranian interests.
The Iranian delegation consists of nearly 70 members, including key diplomats and 26 members of specialized technical committees focusing on economic, security, and political affairs. The visiting team also comprises a 23-member media team, protocol and liaison teams, translators, and security personnel.
In related news, the US has announced that it has revoked the visas of Ebrahim Raisi’s son, Ishaq Hashemi, his wife, and their children, citing their ineligibility for special residence rights in the country. The Iranian President has reiterated that his team will not back down in the face of US pressure.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed its views on the Islamabad talks, calling for maximum restraint and respect for sovereignty, regional integrity, and diplomatic engagement. In a related development, a Pakistani military contingent has arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia under a strategic defense agreement.
US President Donald Trump has announced the start of the process to remove Iranian forces from the Strait of Hormuz, while the Lebanese media has reported on the casualties suffered in Israeli airstrikes, including medical personnel and civil defense workers. In response to the escalating situation, the European Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) has written to the European Commission’s top officials, emphasizing the need for a resolution.
In a separate development, the White House has denied reports that the US had agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets in foreign banks. The frozen funds, valued at over $7 billion, were part of a 2023 deal between the US and Iran for prisoner exchange.
China has expressed hope that the parties involved will de-escalate tensions through further measures. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad has emphasized the need for Iran to protect its people’s interests and rights with full authority.
In a significant development, the Indonesian government has welcomed the upcoming US-Iran talks in Pakistan, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar have pledged $5 billion in financial aid to Pakistan.
