Perhaps the most consequential diplomatic development came from an unexpected quarter. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that both a US delegation and an Iranian delegation would arrive in Islamabad on Friday for peace talks. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had personally confirmed Tehran’s participation, according to Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office.
“A ceasefire is the first step. But our destination is lasting peace,” PM Shehbaz told his federal cabinet, adding that “the war had been delayed for the time being.”
Pakistan’s emergence as a mediator is notable. Islamabad has long maintained relationships with both Tehran and Washington and has sought a more prominent role in regional diplomacy. Whether it can translate proximity into progress remains to be seen.
