Pakistan has imposed unprecedented security measures, reports Dawn.
10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed.
Who is coming?
- US: Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the delegation, joined by Trump’s aides Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- Iran: The delegation reportedly hasn’t left yet, but its lineup is set: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Tehran demands the Israel halt strikes on Lebanon as a condition for talks.
- Mediators: Delegations from Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also expected for parallel consultations.
Lebanon tension overshadows talks
The atmosphere is highly charged. On the eve of the meeting, Trump accused Iran of blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in turn, accuses the US of allowing Israel to bomb Lebanon despite the ceasefire.
- Key dispute: The US says Lebanon is not part of the deal. Iran (and Pakistan) insist it is.
Mixed-format talks - Media reports suggest Saturday’s talks will be mixed: delegations will communicate both directly and through Pakistani mediators.
Image credit: Ehtesham Chaudhary
