View of the Serena Hotel in Islamabad: 5 stars, 52 suites.Image: serenahotels.com
Pakistan is mediating between the USA and Iran – the talks are to take place in a five-star hotel in Islamabad.
April 11, 2026, 7:17 p.mApril 11, 2026, 7:17 p.m
Mauritius Kloft / t-online
Ahead of possible peace negotiations between the US and Iran, Pakistan’s Prime Minister and mediator Shehbaz Sharif held separate preliminary talks with both delegations. According to the Pakistani government, he met US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
The exact course of the talks is still not official. According to information from the Arabic television channel Al Jazeera, Sharif is trying to hold direct talks between both sides with Pakistani participation. In indirect talks, both delegations would sit in different rooms and mediators would deliver messages.
In the meantime, it is clear where the discussions should take place. According to consistent media reports, the five-star Hotel Serena Islamabad is serving as the venue for the negotiations.
View of the lobby of the Serena Hotel in Islamabad.Image: serenahotels.com
The hotel is one of the most famous hotels in the Pakistani capital and is considered an obvious place for high-ranking meetings due to its location, size and security measures. The Serena describes itself as a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World”. According to the website, a night in a “Deluxe Room” with a king-size bed costs from 143 US dollars, the equivalent of 113 Swiss francs.
It is centrally located in Islamabad, close to important government and diplomatic districts. For this reason alone, the building is suitable for political meetings in which controlled access and a shielded setting play a major role. During the expected talks, the security situation in the area was visibly tightened, reports the AP news agency.
The Serena Hotel also has a rooftop pool.Image: serenahotels.com
336 rooms, several conference rooms
Its size also fits such an occasion. According to the hotel, the Serena has 336 rooms and 52 suites. There are also several event and conference rooms.
The house expressly advertises these rooms for meetings of all sizes; Mentioned are flexible layouts, dedicated conference teams, modern video and presentation technology as well as areas for smaller, confidential gatherings as well as larger receptions.
From the outside, the hotel appears luxurious and traditional. On their website, the operators emphasize the design inspired by Moorish architecture, open terraces, pavilions and handcrafted furnishings.
A look into the “Faisalabad Meeting Room” – it is not clear whether the discussions will take place here.Image: serenahotels.com
Negotiations should only last one day
In addition to Vance, the US delegation also includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and also includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The Iranian state broadcaster Irib reported that the talks between the Iranians and the US side – if they actually start – for the Scheduled afternoon local time be. Islamabad is three hours ahead of Central European Summer Time (CEST). According to Iranian sources, the negotiations are expected to last only one day.
Irib also quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He explained that they were leaving with “complete distrust” in the talks and will fight with all our might to protect the interests and rights of the Iranian nation to secure. The state broadcaster was referring to a telephone conversation Araghtschi had with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) on Thursday.
The USA and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February. After five weeks of war, the conflicting parties agreed on Tuesday to a two-week ceasefire. During this time, a lasting peace solution should be negotiated with Pakistan’s mediation.