ISLAMABAD, April 11, 2026 – A high-stakes diplomatic push to de-escalate soaring tensions in the Middle East moved through Pakistan’s capital on Saturday, as US Vice President JD Vance held a formal meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Vance touched down in Islamabad Saturday to participate in newly arranged talks with an Iranian delegation, a diplomatic initiative aimed at ending the recent wave of armed hostilities that have roiled the broader Middle East region. The gathering marks a significant step in international efforts to open a diplomatic pathway out of escalating conflict, with Pakistan stepping in to host the critical negotiations.
During his meeting with Vance, Prime Minister Sharif praised both negotiating teams for their willingness to enter dialogue in good faith, and offered a forward-looking message on the potential of these talks to deliver long-term stability. He emphasized that the discussions represent a critical opening to build momentum toward lasting, durable peace across the Middle East.
Sharif made clear Pakistan’s continued commitment to the diplomatic process, reiterating that the country stands ready to keep supporting both the US and Iranian delegations as they work toward tangible progress on sustainable regional peace. Just hours before his meeting with Vance, the Pakistani prime minister had already held separate talks with the Iranian delegation, which arrived in Islamabad earlier the same day to prepare for the negotiations.
The talks in Islamabad come as the international community has grown increasingly alarmed by recent hostilities in the Middle East, pushing regional and global powers to pursue urgent diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation. Pakistan’s role as host and facilitator underscores its position as a key stakeholder in regional stability and a neutral party willing to bridge divides between negotiating sides.