The talks take place after the start of a two-week ceasefire announced by the two countries last Tuesday (7)
The Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, arrived in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, for the negotiations with Iranian authorities over the war.
He is at the head of a delegation that includes the President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi received Vance.
In a statement, the ministry said Dar praised the US commitment to lasting peace and stability and said he hoped the parties would “engage constructively”. The Iranian delegation, led by the President of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, arrived on Friday night (10).
Before boarding, Vance warned Iran not to play with the US. Hours later, Qalibaf stated that the discussions would only occur if there is an Israeli ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country entered the talks with deep disbelief and warned it would react if attacked.
Regional officials said, on condition of anonymity, that representatives from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China and Qatar are in Islamabad to indirectly facilitate the talks.
Iranian state TV reported that Qalibaf’s team met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said the conflict was entering a difficult phase and a “make or break” moment.
The streets of Pakistan’s capital are deserted, with security forces blocking roads. Authorities have asked residents to remain at home, and the city appears to be under a curfew.
Israel and Lebanon
Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin on Tuesday (14)in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s office said on Friday.
Israel wants the Lebanese government take responsibility for disarming Hezbollahas envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But it is unclear whether the Lebanese army can confiscate weapons from the militant group, which has resisted efforts to contain its strength for decades.
Israel’s insistence that the Iran ceasefire does not include a pause in its fight with Hezbollah has threatened to sink the deal. On the day the truce was announced, Israel bombarded Beirut with airstrikes, killing more than 300 people, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
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