US and Iranian delegations have arrived in Islamabad for peace talks after a two-week temporary ceasefire.
According to Pakistani officials, the first round of talks between the two countries is expected today.
After weeks of speculation, signs of the start of talks in Islamabad have become clear.
Shortly after midnight, the thunderous sounds of Pakistani warplanes echoed in the city airspace as they accompanied the Iranian delegation’s planes as they entered Pakistani airspace and arrived in Islamabad.
The Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is also present.
The delegation was welcomed at the airport by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Army Chief.
Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf also shared photos of the interior of the plane on social media, showing school bags placed on the seats and pictures of the schoolgirls who were killed in the airstrike on the first day of the war.
On the other hand, JD Vance, representing the United States, has also arrived in Islamabad.
The importance of the talks is extraordinary and there are clear differences in the positions of the two countries. Bringing both parties to Islamabad was the first major step, but it will not be the last hurdle.
Security has been on high alert since the talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad and the arrival of important delegations in the city.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the scheduled peace talks between the United States and Iran and urged both parties to engage in them “in good faith.”
Addressing a press conference on Friday, the Secretary-General’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres called on the parties to seize this opportunity to work in good faith towards a lasting and comprehensive agreement.
The spokesman said the Secretary-General reiterates that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful resolution of international disputes in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter.
They say Guterres’ envoys are in the region to support diplomatic efforts.
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