Pakistan is moving ahead with plans to host high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, even as a shaky ceasefire in the Middle East shows signs of unraveling.
Delegations from both countries are expected for negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict and addressing tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran’s participation remains uncertain following renewed clashes involving Israel and Hezbollah that have threatened the fragile truce.
Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan has intensified preparations, tightening security and clearing a major hotel in the capital for the anticipated talks. Discussions are expected to cover sensitive issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and ensuring the free flow of global trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran signaled that its attendance could depend on a halt to Israeli military actions in Lebanon, insisting that any peace process must include developments there. While Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had not violated the ceasefire, recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon have heightened tensions and cast doubt over the negotiations.
In parallel, officials say the United States plans to host separate talks next week involving Israel and Lebanon in Washington, amid growing international concern that escalating violence could derail diplomatic efforts.
The ceasefire, brokered to create space for dialogue, has already come under pressure after deadly exchanges in Lebanon and continued cross-border attacks. Both Israel and Hezbollah have traded strikes, with air raid sirens reported in Israeli cities and retaliatory attacks launched from across the border.
Pakistan, which does not formally recognize Israel, has insisted that Lebanon be included in the ceasefire framework a stance that could complicate its role as mediator.
Meanwhile, global attention remains fixed on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route handling roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Disputes over access and security in the waterway remain a central sticking point in the negotiations.
With tensions still simmering and key players divided, the success of the Islamabad talks and the survival of the ceasefire hangs in the balance.
