Image: Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat

Pakistan Hosts Historic US-Iran Talks As Ceasefire Holds But No Breakthrough

13 April, 2026.Iran.31 sources

Key Takeaways

US and Iran failed to reach a deal after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad.
A fragile two-week ceasefire remains the only barrier between diplomacy and war.
Pakistan mediated and hosted talks, with leaders signaling continued efforts to resolve pending issues.

Historic Islamabad Talks

Pakistan hosted the first direct US-Iran talks since 1979.

The 21-hour negotiations involved US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.

Akhbar as-Sa'udiyya

The talks ended without a breakthrough.

Vance said Washington was seeking a commitment from Iran that it would not pursue a nuclear weapon.

Pakistan's Defense Minister said no negative atmosphere was experienced and there are chances for more dialogue.

Divergent Death Tolls

Death toll estimates diverged sharply among sources.

Fire service chief said most victims were found near stairwells on upper floors.

Al Jazeera

Witnesses said the factory's main exit was locked when the fire broke out.

Survivors described pounding on locked doors as smoke filled stairwells.

The Bangladesh Garment Workers' Federation called a nationwide strike.

Supply Chain Scrutiny

Rahman Textile produced clothing for European brands including Hessen and BrandBox.

“Islamabad, Pakistan – More than 12 hours of face-to-face negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without agreement in Islamabad on Sunday, leaving a fragile two-week ceasefire as the only barrier between diplomacy and a return to war”