ISLAMABAD — In a final, decisive step toward stabilizing the Middle East, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has formally confirmed that Tehran will participate in the direct peace negotiations with the United States in Islamabad. The confirmation was delivered during a 45-minute telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday afternoon, solidifying Pakistan’s role as the host of the high-stakes summit scheduled for Friday, April 10.
I had a warm and substantive conversation with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, this afternoon.
I conveyed my deep appreciation for the wisdom and sagacity of the Iranian leadership in accepting Pakistan’s offer to host peace talks in Islamabad later this week to work…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 8, 2026
Key Highlights of the Call
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Participation Confirmed: President Pezeshkian officially accepted the invitation to send a high-level delegation to Islamabad to finalize a “conclusive agreement.”
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Gratitude for Mediation: The Iranian President lauded the “tireless efforts” of the Pakistani leadership and Field Marshal Asim Munir in securing the two-week ceasefire.
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Supreme Leader’s Sanction: The PMO statement indicated that the Iranian leadership’s decision was marked by “wisdom and sagacity,” following a reported green light from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
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Warm Exchange: PM Shehbaz described the call as “warm and substantive,” reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace “without fear or favor.”
The Road to Friday: Setting the Stage
The 45-minute dialogue followed an early-morning breakthrough in which U.S. President Donald Trump suspended a massive bombing campaign in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. With both Washington and Tehran now officially “in” for the Friday talks, Islamabad is bracing for the most significant diplomatic gathering in its history.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the call to express his optimism:
“Appreciated the Iranian leadership for accepting Pakistan’s offer to host peace talks… to work jointly for the return of peace to the region.”
What to Expect at the ‘Islamabad Talks’
The negotiations on April 10 will focus on bridging the gap between Iran’s 10-point proposal and the U.S. administration’s 15-point framework.
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Maritime Safety: Finalizing the protocol for the permanent, safe passage of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Sanctions & Security: Addressing Tehran’s demand for the lifting of primary/secondary sanctions and the U.S. requirement for nuclear and missile guarantees.
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Lebanon & regional fronts: Expanding the ceasefire to include all regional theaters of conflict.
Global Impact: A Collective Sigh of Relief
The news of Pezeshkian’s confirmation has sent further waves of stability through global markets. Following the call, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) sustained its record-breaking rally, while Brent crude remained stabilized below the $95 mark.
Leaders from China, Turkiye, and the European Union have already expressed their support for the “Islamabad Venue,” with many viewing this as a rare opportunity to reach a comprehensive settlement that has eluded the international community for decades.
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