KATHMANDU: With mediation from Pakistan the capital city Islamabad is set to host talks between United States and Iran on Saturday. The meeting comes around six weeks after attacks on Iran by the US and Israel.

Security in Islamabad has been significantly tightened ahead of the arrival of American and Iranian delegations. Streets are being repainted and security presence has been reinforced. According to Al Jazeera the city is experiencing a mix of anticipation and concern as it prepares to host globally watched discussions.

When and where will the talks take place?
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally invited both sides confirming that talks will begin over the weekend in Islamabad.

The White House has also confirmed that formal discussions will start on Saturday morning local time.

International media report that the talks will be held at the Serena Hotel Islamabad located in the Red Zone near the Foreign Ministry. The hotel has been vacated from Wednesday evening through Sunday.

Public holidays have been declared in Islamabad and the Red Zone around the venue has been sealed with strict security measures. Major entry points into the city have also been closed.

Who will participate in the talks?

According to the White House US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation joined by President Donald Trump’s senior envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

On the Iranian side Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to lead the delegation. It remains unclear whether representatives from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will attend.

Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam stated on X that the Iranian delegation is expected to arrive soon.

What will the talks look like?

Prime Minister Sharif is expected to host the talks and hold separate preliminary meetings with both sides on Friday or Saturday morning.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who has been involved in shuttle diplomacy during the conflict will facilitate the formal discussions.

On Saturday, US and Iranian teams will reportedly remain in separate rooms, with Pakistani officials relaying messages between them.

Officials say more than three dozen international media outlets have applied for visas with around 20 journalists granted access.

Key proposals and disagreements

Iran has put forward a 10-point peace proposal that includes demands such as Iranian oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawal of US combat forces from the Middle East, and a halt to military actions against allied armed groups.

However, Trump has not formally accepted these conditions. The US has demanded that Iran hand over its uranium stockpile as part of any agreement.