China has expressed full support for Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace talks between the United States and Iran. The statement came from China’s ambassador to Pakistan, who praised Islamabad’s initiative to facilitate dialogue between the two countries.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to discuss regional developments. During the meeting, Jiang commended Pakistan’s continued efforts to ease communication between Washington and Tehran, describing them as helpful for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

The discussion underscores China’s backing of Pakistan’s diplomatic role in regional peacebuilding, particularly in fostering dialogue between the US and Iran.

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to sources cited by Al Jazeera. He reportedly departed Washington, D.C., on Tuesday evening and is scheduled to lead the US delegation in a second round of talks with Iran. The discussions are set to take place in Pakistan’s capital, with US President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also likely to attend. The delegation composition will remain similar to the first round of talks.

Several US military aircraft have already landed in Pakistan ahead of the meeting, signaling preparations for the high-level dialogue. However, uncertainty surrounds Iran’s participation. Iranian parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran would not engage in talks “under the shadow of threats,” raising doubts about whether the discussions will proceed as planned.

The situation leaves the timing and outcome of the second round of US-Iran negotiations unclear, with Pakistan hosting and China expressing support for its mediating role.

The government of Pakistan has advised US President Donald Trump to avoid harsh or provocative public remarks, according to a report by The Washington Post. The advice comes as Pakistan plays a mediating role to facilitate a potential second round of talks between Iran and the United States.

A Pakistani official told Reuters that Iran has responded positively and that the situation is improving. The official expressed hope that an Iranian delegation might join the discussions within one or two days. Pakistan has maintained close contact with both Tehran and Washington before the current ceasefire period ends to help advance the negotiation process.

The report also noted that Pakistan’s mediation efforts are aimed at ensuring progress in the dialogue, with the country actively engaging both sides to sustain momentum toward de-escalation.

US media reported that Vice President JD Vance will leave the United States on Tuesday for a visit to Pakistan. According to Axios, citing three sources, Vance is scheduled to depart by Tuesday morning. Multiple sources told CNN that a second round of discussions between US and Iranian delegations is planned for Wednesday in Islamabad, as reported by BBC Bangla.

A source told the BBC on Monday that a US delegation led by Vance would travel to Pakistan soon. However, Tehran has not yet confirmed whether Iran will participate in the upcoming talks. The reports indicate that Vance may arrive in Islamabad by Wednesday.

The visit comes as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Pakistan, and potentially Iran, though the details of the agenda and participants remain uncertain.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly leading a delegation to Islamabad for potential discussions centered on Iran, but international media outlets have provided differing accounts of the trip’s timing. According to The Guardian, citing the New York Post, the delegation—also including special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner—has already departed and is expected to arrive in Pakistan within hours. President Donald Trump stated that talks are planned and suggested progress could lead to a meeting with Iran’s top leaders. However, Tehran has indicated it has no plans for another round of peace talks.

CNN, by contrast, reported uncertainty about the schedule, citing sources who said Vance is expected to leave Washington on Tuesday, with a second round of U.S.-Iran talks planned for Wednesday in Islamabad. The White House has not confirmed any specific timing, saying only that the delegation may depart soon. The differing reports follow a previous 21-hour meeting in Islamabad last week that ended without resolution over Iran’s nuclear program and mutual trust issues.

The situation remains fluid, with both U.S. and Iranian positions appearing cautious amid heightened rhetoric between the two nations.

A United States delegation led by Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Pakistan as Islamabad prepares to host a high-level meeting. Iran has not yet confirmed its participation, though Pakistani officials expect Iranian representatives to join the discussions. In preparation for the talks, Islamabad has implemented unprecedented security measures, deploying 20,000 personnel and sealing off large parts of the city, including two major hotels.

Over the past 24 hours, several US C-17 Globemaster aircraft have landed in Islamabad, with more expected to arrive. These flights are believed to have transported bulletproof vehicles and security teams for the American delegation. The scale of the security operation underscores the significance of the upcoming meeting.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, stated that Iran intends to continue dialogue but not “at any cost.” The talks appear to be part of ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Pakistan, and potentially Iran.

Pakistan is intensifying preparations for a possible second round of talks, with strict security measures in place across key areas of Islamabad, including the Red Zone. Several roads have been closed, creating a partial lockdown atmosphere in the capital. Over the past 24 hours, multiple U.S. military transport aircraft, including C-17 Globemasters, have reportedly landed in Islamabad, carrying advance teams, security personnel, and armored vehicles. More aircraft are expected to arrive.

Iran’s participation in the upcoming discussions remains uncertain, though Pakistan continues active diplomatic engagement. The country’s Chief of Defense Forces recently completed a three-day visit to Tehran, viewed as part of efforts to manage the evolving situation.

The arrival of U.S. representatives suggests a strong likelihood that the talks will proceed, but recent tensions and firm rhetoric from both sides have cast uncertainty over the outcome. The direction of developments now depends on the diplomatic positions and decisions of the involved parties.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian held a warm and friendly phone conversation on Sunday, according to a statement from the Pakistani government. During the 45-minute call, Sharif assured Pezeshkian that Pakistan would continue its sincere efforts to promote regional peace and security. He also thanked Iran for sending a high-level delegation to Islamabad last week for discussions with the United States.

However, the statement did not specify when the next round of talks would take place. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that an American delegation was heading to Pakistan for discussions with Iran, but Tehran has not officially confirmed any such meeting. Iranian media reported that participation in a second round of talks remains uncertain, despite earlier reports suggesting an Iranian delegation might arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday.

As a result, uncertainty continues to surround the potential meeting between the two countries and the United States, with no confirmed schedule or official acknowledgment from Iran.

An advance delegation from Washington arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, April 19, ahead of the anticipated second round of peace talks between Iran and the United States. The discussions are expected to take place next week in Pakistan’s capital, though no official schedule has been released by the governments of Pakistan, Iran, or the United States.

Security in Islamabad has been significantly tightened following the arrival of the foreign representatives. Police announced that all vehicular movement in the city’s Red Zone and extended Red Zone areas will remain suspended until further notice. The heightened measures reflect the sensitivity surrounding the upcoming dialogue.

The first round of talks was held in Islamabad on April 10 and 11, following a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on April 8. The conflict began after a joint Israeli-US strike on February 28, which triggered widespread instability across the Middle East.

Security sources in Pakistan have indicated that new talks between the United States and Iran may begin before Friday. Two unnamed sources told Al Jazeera that several recent developments suggest this possibility. A US C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft reportedly landed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad, while roads leading to the capital’s Red Zone were temporarily closed, signaling tight security measures.

The sources also said that guests were being evacuated from Islamabad’s Serena and Marriott hotels, and no new bookings were being accepted until Friday. The first round of US-Iran discussions had taken place at the Serena Hotel on April 11. Analysts believe these preparations point to renewed diplomatic activity, although no official schedule for the talks has yet been announced.

The developments suggest that Pakistan may again serve as a venue for sensitive diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, pending formal confirmation from either side.

The next round of talks between the United States and Iran may begin before Friday, according to two Pakistani security sources who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity. They cited several indicators suggesting preparations for the discussions are underway in Pakistan.

The sources reported that two US C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft landed at the Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi, close to Islamabad. Roads leading from the airport to Islamabad’s Red Zone were temporarily closed, signaling heightened security measures. Additionally, guests were being evacuated from the Serena and Marriott hotels in Islamabad, and no new bookings were being accepted before Friday.

The first round of US-Iran talks took place on April 11 at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. The developments suggest that Pakistan may again serve as the venue for the upcoming diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the United States and Iran remain in contact through Islamabad to arrange a second round of negotiations aimed at ending their nearly seven-week war. The ministry said no date has been set for the next meeting, though Pakistan continues to push for dialogue as the fragile ceasefire it brokered on April 8 nears expiration. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized confidentiality and said nuclear issues remain central to the discussions.

The announcement coincided with Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach, dubbed the “Islamabad Process.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is touring regional capitals, including Jeddah, Doha, and Antalya, while Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir leads talks in Tehran. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan reaffirmed Tehran’s trust in Islamabad as the sole venue for talks. Meanwhile, Turkiye is preparing to host a separate regional security platform meeting involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and possibly Egypt.

The ceasefire, still holding but under strain, is set to expire on April 22. Analysts cited in the report said extending the truce remains likely, though unresolved disputes over Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear program continue to complicate progress toward a lasting peace.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has concluded a three-day visit to Tehran, according to a statement from Pakistan’s military. The visit was described as part of ongoing efforts to end the war involving the United States. During his stay, Munir met with Iran’s top leadership and negotiators, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters.

The military statement emphasized that the visit reflected Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to facilitating a dialogue-based resolution to the Middle East conflict. It also underscored Islamabad’s desire to promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.

The trip highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Iran at a time of heightened regional tensions, signaling Islamabad’s interest in supporting negotiated solutions to ongoing conflicts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. Led by Shan Masood, the team will arrive in Dhaka on May 3, 2026, featuring four new players—Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Aazan Awais, and Mohammad Ghazi. Eleven players from the previous home series against South Africa have retained their places, while seven others, including Abrar Ahmed and Abdullah Shafique, have been left out.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as Pakistan’s head coach and will oversee a preparatory camp in Karachi from April 27 to May 1. Players currently participating in the Pakistan Super League will join the camp after completing their league commitments. The first Test will begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, followed by the second Test on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Both matches are part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, marking Pakistan’s first Test tour of Bangladesh in this period.

Pakistan has intensified security measures in Islamabad ahead of a possible high-level second-round meeting expected to address nuclear issues. Around 10,000 police officers have been deployed across the capital, with an additional 10,000 personnel being mobilized from nearby provinces. Special search and combing operations have begun under the Inspector General’s directive, while checkpoints and patrols have been increased at city entry and exit points. Movement at major bus terminals has also been restricted.

The country’s prime minister, army chief, and armed forces leaders are preparing to welcome world leaders to what has been described as a historic event. The Foreign Ministry indicated potential progress on nuclear matters, with diplomats from Tehran to Washington maintaining close contact. Islamabad aims to ensure a secure and respectful environment for all participants.

The preparations follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s remark suggesting that the second round of talks could take place in Islamabad by the end of the week. The first round was held on April 11, but no final decisions were reached on Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, or U.S. sanctions.