the streets of Islamabad have fallen unusually quiet following a sudden two-day public holiday declared by Pakistan. Behind the calm, however, intense diplomatic activity is underway as the city prepares to host a highly anticipated direct meeting between United States and Iran—talks that could potentially halt a deadly conflict claiming thousands of lives.
Once criticized globally for extremism and economic instability, Islamabad has now emerged as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran. During his first term, former U.S. President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of offering “nothing but deceit,” while the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad left the country diplomatically isolated. Even Joe Biden reportedly avoided direct engagement with Pakistani leadership during his presidency.
However, dynamics have shifted significantly in Trump’s second term. Trump is now said to refer to Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir as his “favorite field marshal.” Analysts attribute this dramatic turnaround to Pakistan’s strategic geopolitical position, diplomatic maneuvering, and vast untapped mineral resources.
Experts suggest Pakistan has strong incentives to mediate peace. The country depends heavily on Middle Eastern energy imports, which have been severely disrupted by tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Pakistan’s defense ties with Saudi Arabia raise concerns that it could be drawn into a wider conflict if regional tensions escalate.
According to analysts, Islamabad has successfully positioned itself to maintain working relations with both Tehran and Washington. This balancing act has been supported in part by China. A recent visit by Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing is believed to have helped encourage Iran’s willingness to engage in talks.
High-level participants are expected at the negotiations, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Vance’s visit marks the highest-level trip by a U.S. official to Pakistan since 2011. In preparation, Islamabad’s Serena Hotel has reportedly been cleared of guests for security reasons.
Despite the buildup, the talks face early challenges. Following Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that killed more than 180 people, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that the Strait of Hormuz has once again been closed.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that Israel’s actions risk undermining global efforts to establish peace.
As global attention turns to Islamabad, the outcome of these talks could determine whether the region moves toward de-escalation—or deeper conflict.
