Desk Correspondent , Islamabad - U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his delegation have arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for high stakes face to face negotiations with an Iranian team led by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. A fragile ceasefire is holding following recent US-Iran hostilities, but Tehran insists on U.S. commitments to ease sanctions and secure a ceasefire in Lebanon before formal talks proceed.

The talks, hosted by Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, began on April 11, 2026, in a heavily secured  red zone in central Islamabad, with thousands of security personnel deployed. Iran's 71 member delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other top officials, while the U.S. team operates under direct presidential directives from President Trump, emphasizing good faith engagement. Discussions could last up to 15 days, focusing on a comprehensive peace deal, though maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz remains a key unresolved issue.

Iranian Speaker Qalibaf stated on social media that negotiations won't start without U.S. fulfillment of prior pledges, including unblocking Iranian assets and halting Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have killed nearly 2,000 since March. The U.S. and Israel maintain the Lebanon conflict is separate from the US-Iran truce, creating a major sticking point. Vance expressed cautious optimism en route, warning against any Iranian stalling tactics.

These mark the first direct US-Iran talks since the war's onset, stemming from a two week ceasefire announced by President Trump to enable negotiations. Pakistan positions itself as a neutral mediator, amid ongoing regional tensions including Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Outcomes could reshape Middle East dynamics, but deep mistrust persists on both sides.