By Zahid Shah

ISLAMABAD - Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Sunday that Pakistan will host the next round of peace talks between the United States and Iran, as diplomatic efforts to secure a final agreement appear to be entering their final stages.

The announcement came hours after President Donald Trump led a high-level telephone call involving the leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, represented the country in the call, according to Sharif.

"I congratulate President Donald Trump on his extraordinary efforts to pursue peace," Sharif posted on social media. "Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon."

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the telephone call as a "significant step closer toward the shared objective of regional peace, stability, and an early diplomatic outcome."

Dar specifically commended the US team, including Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, for "sustained engagement that helped achieve meaningful progress in the ongoing negotiations."

He also expressed appreciation for the Iranian leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, for their "constructive engagement in support of advancing these peace efforts."

The development marks a significant diplomatic role for Pakistan, which has positioned itself as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. Sharif noted that Field Marshal Munir played a "tireless" role throughout the entire peace process and represented Pakistan in the day's high-level discussions.

Dar revealed that he has been personally engaged in the process since February 28, holding talks with regional partners including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and others. He also thanked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his support.

While no specific date was provided for the Islamabad talks, Sharif's announcement suggests that a final US-Iran deal may be imminent. The development follows comments Saturday by Secretary Rubio, who told reporters in New Delhi that the world could receive "good news" on a potential agreement with Iran within hours.

A potential memorandum of understanding reportedly includes provisions to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, the release of some frozen Iranian funds, and a 60-day timeline for separate nuclear negotiations. However, Iranian officials have emphasized that no final decision can be made without the approval of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

"Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all sincere efforts aimed at lasting peace, mutual respect, and regional stability," Dar said. "Dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over conflict and confrontation for the collective prosperity and security of our region and beyond."

With Islamabad set to host the next round of talks, all eyes will be on the Pakistani capital as Washington and Tehran move closer to what could be a landmark diplomatic breakthrough.