By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Iran has formally confirmed it will participate in peace negotiations with the United States scheduled for later this week in Islamabad, Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

The confirmation came during a warm and cordial 45-minute call between the two leaders, during which Sharif conveyed his deep appreciation for what he called the "wisdom and sagacity" of the Iranian leadership in agreeing to a ceasefire and accepting Pakistan's offer to host the landmark negotiations.

Prime Minister Sharif also took the opportunity to convey his respects to His Eminence Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, the Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement.

President Pezeshkian thanked Sharif and appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani leadership in bringing about a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the United States. He extended his best wishes to the people of Pakistan and confirmed Iran's participation in the upcoming Islamabad talks.

The development marks the latest diplomatic breakthrough following weeks of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Early Wednesday, Prime Minister Sharif announced that the United States and Iran, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including in Lebanon.

The agreement came just days after US President Donald Trump had set a Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the country could be "taken out in one night."

- 'Islamabad Talks' Set for April 10

The peace negotiations, now widely referred to as the "Islamabad Talks," are scheduled to take place on Friday, April 10, 2026. The talks aim to produce a conclusive agreement to settle all outstanding disputes between the two countries.

Prime Minister Sharif has formally invited delegations from both the United States and Iran to Islamabad for the negotiations.

However, its not yet known who will lead the delegations of both countries.

The confirmation from Tehran cements Pakistan's position as a key mediator in one of the world's most volatile conflicts. Analysts have noted that Islamabad's unique relationship with both Washington and Tehran has allowed it to serve as an indispensable bridge between the two adversaries.

Earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had publicly expressed gratitude toward Pakistan, writing on social media: "We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad."

The Prime Minister's Office stated that both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation develops.

With Iran's participation now confirmed, all eyes turn to Islamabad, where US and Iranian delegations are expected to arrive in the coming days. The April 10 talks will seek to transform the temporary ceasefire into a lasting settlement.