By Zahid Shah

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has launched logistical preparations for a potential second round of talks between the United States and Iran, with diplomatic sources confirming that a US delegation is expected to depart on Sunday and arrive in Islamabad for negotiations scheduled Monday.

A Pakistani government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told local media that arrangements are already underway for the arrival of both US and Iranian delegations, as well as international media personnel covering the high-stakes diplomatic event.

However, neither Washington nor Tehran has officially confirmed their participation.

Citing sources familiar with the planning, CNN reported that the US delegation will leave on Sunday, with talks tentatively set to begin Monday in Pakistan's capital. The Iranian delegation is also expected to arrive on Sunday, according to regional diplomatic sources, though no formal announcement has been made by Tehran.

- Army Chief's Three-Day Iran Visit Settles Most Matters

Behind the scenes, Pakistan's military leadership has been working intensively to bridge gaps between the two longstanding adversaries.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, spent three days in Tehran this week, where he met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and top military commanders.

According to officials familiar with the visit, the army chief managed to settle "most of the outstanding matters" during his stay in Iran, paving the way for a possible breakthrough in Islamabad. Following the Tehran visit, sources said Munir is now expected to travel to Washington for further consultations, though no official itinerary has been released.

Adding to the growing diplomatic momentum, US President Donald Trump made a cryptic statement that appeared to reference the Pakistani army chief's potential visit to the United States.

"An intelligent and extraordinary personality is set to visit the White House tomorrow, who is not only worried about his country, but about the outside world as well," Trump said.

While Trump did not name the individual, diplomatic observers quickly linked the statement to Field Marshal Munir, who has emerged as a key behind-the-scenes facilitator in the US-Iran negotiations. Trump's comments fueled speculation that a Washington visit by the Pakistani military leader could be imminent.

- Iran Expresses Trust in Pakistan as Mediator

Iran has repeatedly signaled that it trusts Pakistan as an honest broker in the delicate negotiations. A senior Iranian official, speaking on background, told reporters that Tehran views Islamabad as a "reliable and neutral" partner capable of hosting meaningful dialogue between the two foes.

Diplomatic sources suggest that both sides are now aiming to sign a peace agreement in Islamabad during this second round of talks, potentially bringing an end to months of heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program.

Despite the flurry of activity and optimistic statements, neither the United States nor Iran has officially confirmed the Islamabad talks.

The US State Department declined to comment on what it called "speculative reports," while Iranian state media has not carried any official announcement regarding delegation's travel.

A Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson said only that "Pakistan remains committed to facilitating dialogue and peace in the region," without confirming any specific timeline or arrangements.

With Sunday's expected departures now just hours away, the world watches to see whether Islamabad will indeed host the breakthrough that has so far eluded diplomats in earlier rounds of negotiation.