US and Iran to Hold Direct Talks in Islamabad for Permanent Ceasefire

Delegations from the United States (US) and Iran are scheduled to hold direct talks in Islamabad. The purpose of the meeting is to achieve a permanent ceasefire, according to a Pakistani government source speaking to Anadolu on Thursday (9/4).

These talks, scheduled to begin on Saturday, are likely to last more than one day, the source stated.

Pakistan is preparing to host the discussions in the capital after previously helping to stabilise the fragile ceasefire that has been in place between the two sides for two weeks. The meeting will take place at a military facility with tight security, under the control of the Pakistani army, the source added.

There is no firm deadline for the talks, which will combine direct and indirect contacts between the US and Iranian delegations.

“Both sides will also sit face-to-face directly, as well as hold separate talks with the Pakistani side,” one source said, adding that the discussions could last several days due to the complexity of the issues.

Another source mentioned that the direct talks are likely to last only two to three days for security considerations.

The White House has confirmed that Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation, which will also include President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Meanwhile, Pakistani sources indicate that the Iranian delegation may include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf, although there has been no official confirmation from Tehran regarding its composition.

In addition, four senior commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard are confirmed to participate in the negotiations, according to the same source.