US, Iran to hold ‘direct’ talks in Islamabad on ‘permanent ceasefire,’ sources say

Anadolu staff

US and Iranian delegations will hold “direct” talks in Islamabad aimed at reaching a “permanent” ceasefire,” Pakistani government sources told Anadolu on Thursday.

The negotiations, set to begin Saturday, may extend beyond a single day, the sources said.

Pakistan is preparing to host the talks in its capital after helping secure a fragile two-week ceasefire between the two sides. The meetings will be held at a military site under heightened security, with the Pakistani army in charge, the sources added.

There is no fixed timeframe for the negotiations, which will include a mix of direct and indirect contacts between the delegations, according to the sources.

“The two sides will also sit face to face, and hold separate talks with the Pakistani side,” one source said, adding the discussions could continue for “several days” given the “complex nature of the issue.”

Another source said direct talks could last “not more than two to three days due to security concerns.”

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.

Pakistani sources said Iran’s delegation is expected to include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. There has been no official confirmation from Tehran on the composition of its delegation.

Four senior commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard will also take part in the talks, the sources said.