Ceasefire Mediator Pakistan Prepares for Second Round of Talks... Plans to Escort Iranian Delegation

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Pakistan, which is acting as the mediator for the second round of ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran, is making preparations for the meeting, including drawing up plans to escort the Iranian delegation.

According to Pakistani media and other sources on April 18 (local time), Pakistani Justice Minister Akil Malik announced the previous day that the Pakistani government had completed preparations for the second round of talks, including security measures.

Minister Malik stated that, following the first round of talks held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on April 11-12, even stronger security measures have now been put in place. Regarding the timing of the meeting, he said, "I cannot provide a specific date or time, but next week is expected to be very important for Pakistan, especially for Islamabad."

Officials from the Trump administration and Iranian authorities each suggested that the talks between the two countries are likely to take place in Pakistan on April 20.

Minister Malik observed, "In my view, the next meeting will not involve negotiations," adding, "It will be an occasion to announce that everything has been finalized and the agreement is ready to be signed."

With respect to security measures, it was reported that, at Iran's request, the Pakistani military could deploy fighter jets to escort flights carrying the Iranian delegation to Pakistan. Previously, after the first round of talks ended without agreement, the Pakistani Air Force reportedly mobilized around 24 fighter jets and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft to escort the Iranian delegation on their return flight home.

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