High-level ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, have begun in Islamabad, marking the most significant direct engagement between Washington and Tehran in decades.
The US delegation is being led by Vice President JD Vance, who held a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the negotiations.
On the Iranian side, the delegation includes Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who also met Sharif separately.
Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator, aiming not only to facilitate the current round of talks but also to encourage direct negotiations between the US and Iran in an effort to end the six-week conflict.
Push for a ceasefire amid ongoing violence
The talks come against the backdrop of continued violence in the region. Lebanon’s health authorities reported that at least 357 people were killed in Israeli strikes across the country on Wednesday, with the toll expected to rise as more victims are identified.
In a related development, Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States have held a phone conversation – seen as a rare direct contact – ahead of separate ceasefire discussions expected in Washington next week.
Differences persist despite progress
Diplomatic sources indicate that recent consultations in Islamabad have led to some progress, including a reduction in attacks in parts of Lebanon, which is being viewed as a tentative step toward implementing a broader ceasefire.
Iran has also maintained that a complete ceasefire in Lebanon remains a key condition and has urged the United States to ensure Israel adheres to such commitments.
Tehran is pushing the issue strongly through both diplomatic channels and ongoing negotiations, while also seeking the release of its frozen overseas assets—another major sticking point in the talks.
Scepticism over outcomes
Despite agreeing to participate, Iranian officials remain cautious, citing past experiences where agreements with the United States did not hold.
The current round of talks, facilitated by Pakistan, is expected to focus on technical and political details necessary to move toward a more durable ceasefire agreement.
While both sides have signalled willingness to engage, significant gaps remain, underscoring the complexity of reaching a lasting resolution.
As discussions continue in Islamabad, the outcome could prove critical not only for regional stability but also for global economic security, particularly with ongoing disruptions affecting key trade and energy routes.