Iran to join US talks in Islamabad despite Hormuz clashes

Iran has confirmed it will attend the second round of negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, Pakistani sources familiar with the mediation process told Anadolu on Monday, despite a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. The Iranian delegation, likely led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in the Pakistani capital on Tuesday. Tehran has not yet officially confirmed its participation, but Pakistani officials anticipate the same team that represented Iran in the first round earlier this month.

US delegation and security lockdown

The US delegation is expected to be led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Pakistani sources said the US team may arrive late Monday night or Tuesday, with Vance possibly landing separately. At least two US aircraft carrying advance delegates and security personnel have already landed in Islamabad. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the US Embassy on Monday to discuss security measures. The capital and neighboring garrison city Rawalpindi are under lockdown, with schools closed and thousands of security personnel deployed.

Ceasefire expiry and fresh hostilities

The fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, is set to expire on Wednesday. Tensions soared further on Monday after the US Navy intercepted and disabled an Iranian cargo ship attempting to breach the naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman. President Trump announced that US Marines now hold the vessel. Iran warned it would retaliate “soon,” calling the move a violation of the Pakistan-brokered truce. Tehran also reportedly reclosed the Strait of Hormuz, raising global supply concerns.