"Mediator" Pakistan Begins Preparations for Second US-Iran End-of-War Talks

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Pakistan, which is mediating the end-of-war negotiations between the United States and Iran, is reportedly beginning preparations in earnest for the second round of talks.

According to Yonhap News and foreign media on April 16, Pakistan has already started preparatory work for dialogue between the two countries. One source stated that measures are underway to ensure thorough security.

It is also widely believed that, like the first round, the second round of negotiations is highly likely to be held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, the capital city.

Other officials expect the talks to take place either this weekend or early next week, with the possibility being raised that preliminary consultations between the delegations of both sides could occur before formal negotiations begin.

Previously, another Pakistani media outlet also reported that the authorities had instructed relevant agencies to take administrative and security measures to prepare for the second round of negotiations. The outlet projected that the talks could be held in Islamabad by next week at the latest.

The composition of the U.S. and Iranian delegations attending the talks is not expected to change significantly from the first round. At that time, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance led the delegation, accompanied by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East. On the Iranian side, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament, headed the delegation, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi participating as well.

Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and the country's de facto leader, who is deeply involved in the negotiation process, visited Tehran the previous day leading his country's delegation and held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. These talks are scheduled to continue on April 16.

In connection with this, there is speculation that Pakistan may have visited Tehran carrying the U.S. side's final proposal to coordinate the agenda with Iran in advance.

If negotiations resume, the main issues are expected to include Iran's suspension of uranium enrichment, opening of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions against Iran, and halting of Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

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