US Vice President JD Vance and a senior American delegation arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for high-level talks with Iranian officials, in what is being described as a rare and historic diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.
The negotiations are taking place during a two-week ceasefire in the US-Israel–Iran conflict, which began on February 28 and was temporarily halted after a Pakistan-brokered agreement announced on April 8. The conflict had expanded across the Middle East, severely disrupting regional stability and global energy markets.
Upon arrival at Nur Khan Air Base, Vance was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The Foreign Office said Pakistan welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue for “lasting regional and global peace and stability.”
The Iranian delegation also arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with senior security and economic officials. The talks are expected to include senior US officials from the State Department, National Security Council, and Defence Department, as well as advisers including Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Iran had initially raised concerns over continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, linking its participation in talks to a halt in hostilities there. Pakistani officials said this issue has been incorporated into the broader ceasefire understanding.
The agenda covers key disputes including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets estimated at around $7 billion, missile capabilities, and maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is also seeking broader guarantees on regional security arrangements and economic concessions.
While both sides have signalled willingness to engage, major differences persist. The United States is expected to push for strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities and regional military influence, while Iran is demanding sanctions relief, recognition of its nuclear rights, and restoration of financial access.
US President Donald Trump warned that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails, while also expressing concerns over disruptions in Gulf shipping routes. Iranian officials, meanwhile, maintain that any agreement must include wider regional guarantees, including Lebanon.
Pakistan has described the talks as a critical opportunity for de-escalation, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stating that Islamabad will “try its level best” to ensure progress.
Despite cautious optimism, analysts say expectations for immediate breakthroughs remain limited due to deep mistrust and the complexity of issues involved. However, the Islamabad engagement marks a significant diplomatic opening amid ongoing regional tensions.
Originally Published By: The Dawn
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