Global media attention has turned to Islamabad where United States and Iran are set to begin talks on Saturday, with some Pakistani journalists expressing high hopes for the results of the high-stakes negotiations.
The U.S-Iran negotiations will unfold amid a two-week ceasefire announced on Tuesday.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Friday morning that Pakistan has granted visas on arrival to delegates and journalists attending the talks to ensure the smooth progress of the negotiations and media coverage.
According to the U.S. government, multiple U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft arrived in Islamabad on Friday evening to provide logistical and security support for the visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan, as well as for the talks.
Local Pakistani media described Pakistan's mediation efforts as a diplomatic victory and expressed optimism about the talks despite the challenges ahead.
"Now the main focus is about the diplomatic win of Pakistan. As you know that today is a historic day for Pakistan, as Pakistan plays a role of key mediator in the war that was going on between Iran and America. So, the situation is quite a bit challenging, and we are confused a bit. But let's be hopeful for the best and positive response, as Pakistan is now playing a role of mediator in both of the countries. So, let's be hopeful," said Pakistani reporter Hania Firdous.
"I think Pakistan, with the help of their allies, especially -- I would mention China here -- they have done this miracle, like we got to a ceasefire agreement initially for two weeks. With the help of China, Pakistan made this thing happen. We got to a ceasefire. It's a very critical process, I would say, a very sensitive process because (there's) Strait of Hormuz to talk about, Lebanon and the other regional wars here within the Middle East and these are very important, especially the uranium enrichment thing. Both the parties, they have very clear stance on it. Iran, they want to use it for peaceful purposes and the USA, they have a very clear stance on uranium enrichment. So, I think phase-wise, we can go ahead, and I'm very hopeful from these talks," said Raja Mohsin Ijaz, a fellow Pakistani reporter.
Expectations high among Pakistani media ahead of US-Iran talks
