After the situation in the Middle East calmed down a bit, now diplomatic activities have again intensified in Islamabad. The first round of talks was not successful, but now once again the US delegation is going to reach Pakistan on Monday (April 20, 2026). The White House has confirmed this and said that special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will go on this tour. However, the situation is not yet clear regarding the departure of Vice President JD Vance. Meanwhile, Iran has rejected America’s proposal and has refused to participate in these talks.
Before the second round of talks, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif spoke on phone with Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian. According to the Prime Minister’s Office of Pakistan, the current situation in the region was discussed in this conversation. Shehbaz Sharif also informed the Iranian President about his recent talks with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. The purpose of these talks was to find a way for permanent peace in the war-affected area.
Also read: War or peace… US delegation ready to go to Pakistan again, whom is Trump sending in place of JD Vance?
Iran rejected America’s proposal
This conversation between Shahbaz Sharif and Pejeshkian took place at a time when Iran has clearly rejected the proposal given by America. According to Iran’s government news agency IRNA, Iran has blamed America’s illegitimate demands for this. Iran says that America’s excessive demands, frequent changes in its stance and different types of statements are responsible for this situation. Apart from this, Iran has also described the US Navy blockade on Hormuz and Iranian ports as a violation of the ceasefire.
Shahbaz Sharif will be able to convince Iran
The question being raised is whether Shahbaz Sharif will be able to convince Iran for the second round of talks or not. Although the first round of talks was not successful, both America and Iran appreciated Pakistan’s role. After this, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also went to Tehran, from which it is clear that Pakistan is playing an active role in this entire matter. Now once again everyone’s eyes are fixed on Pakistan.
Tight security arrangements in Islamabad
Security arrangements have been made very strict in Islamabad. According to Pakistani security sources, the US Army’s large C-17 Globemaster III aircraft has landed at Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, which is near Islamabad. The roads leading from the airport to the Red Zone have been temporarily closed. Apart from this, big hotels of Islamabad like Serena Hotel and Marriott Hotel are being evacuated and new bookings have been banned. It is worth noting that on April 11, the first round of talks took place at Serena Hotel itself.
Also read: Iran will not go to Islamabad for talks with America? Apart from Hormuz, what is the matter now stuck on?