US President Donald Trump is sending Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to the Pakistani capital for talks with Iran that will begin on Saturday, the White House said.

Trump “is dispatching his negotiating team led by the vice president of the United States, JD Vance, special envoy (Steve) Witkoff and Mr (Jared) Kushner to Islamabad for talks this weekend,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told a news conference

Islamabad is preparing for high-stakes direct talks between Iran and the United States following a two-week ceasefire brokered through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.

Officials said extraordinary security measures are being put in place across the federal capital, with heightened surveillance in sensitive areas and law enforcement agencies placed on high alert.

The district administration has declared April 9 and 10 as local holidays to facilitate security arrangements.

Residents have been advised to limit unnecessary movement, while essential services will remain operational.

On the Iranian side, state media reported that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is expected to represent Tehran.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier announced the breakthrough, stating that both sides had agreed to an immediate ceasefire and were invited to Islamabad to negotiate a final agreement.

He expressed hope that the talks would pave the way for lasting peace in the region.

The ceasefire came just ahead of a deadline set by Washington for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.

Trump later said the US had achieved its military objectives and was “very close” to a long-term deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed Pakistan’s mediation, saying Tehran would halt defensive operations if attacks ceased.

He added that the two-week negotiation window could be extended by mutual consent.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz would continue in coordination with Iranian forces during this period.

The talks are expected to cover Iran’s nuclear programme and the possible lifting of decades-old US sanctions.

The White House confirmed preparations are underway in Washington.

Pakistan’s mediation has drawn international praise, as the conflict — ongoing since late February — has threatened global energy supplies and economic stability.

With senior delegations set to arrive, global attention is now focused on Islamabad, where the negotiations could shape the trajectory of regional peace and economic recovery.