US-Iran Ceasefire Talks in Islamabad :
Pakistan is hosting key talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad as diplomatic efforts continue to end the ongoing Gulf conflict. An Iranian delegation led by Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf has arrived in the capital, while the US side is led by Vice President JD Vance.
The talks come weeks after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a wider escalation, resulting in heavy casualties, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and a sharp rise in global oil prices.
Although Pakistan helped secure a temporary two-week ceasefire earlier this week, tensions remain high. The two sides are expected to hold indirect negotiations, seated in separate rooms at a hotel in Islamabad, with Pakistani officials acting as mediators.
A key point of disagreement is Lebanon, with Iran insisting that the ceasefire framework should also include Israeli strikes there, while the US and Israel oppose the demand. Continued violence has raised concerns that the talks could stall or collapse.
Pakistan hopes the US and Iran will engage constructively after JD Vance’s arrival in Islamabad, AFP reported. Earlier, Reuters sources said Iran views Vance as one of the more “anti-war” figures in the Trump administration.
Iran has stated that the timing of talks with the US will remain on hold until preconditions are met. State media reported two key demands:
- Release of frozen assets
- End of hostilities in Lebanon
The Iranian negotiating team held preliminary meetings in Islamabad, according to reports from Tasnim correspondent. (Agency)
