US Led By Vance Holds High-Stakes Peace Talks With Iran In Islamabad

The United States and Iran engaged in high-stakes peace talks in Islamabad on March 15, 2025, marking the first direct negotiations since the war began.

Vice President JD Vance led the US delegation, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

ABC

Iran was represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The talks aimed to address Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, regional security, and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump told reporters the US would have the strait open fairly soon with or without Iran's cooperation.

The talks unfolded against a backdrop of continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Hezbollah rocket attacks in Israel.

Pakistan emerged as a key mediator, hosting the talks and brokering the ceasefire.

Islamabad's role reflected its unique diplomatic network and longstanding ties with Iran.

Al-Jazeera Net

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the talks a make-or-break moment.

China played a behind-the-scenes role in persuading Iran to agree to the ceasefire.

The talks marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough after five weeks of intense conflict.

The talks faced significant obstacles, including divergent positions on Lebanon's inclusion in the ceasefire.

Iran's ten-point proposal called for control of the Strait of Hormuz and full lifting of sanctions.

The US had its own 15-point plan focused on Iran's commitment not to possess nuclear weapons.

Trump warned that if talks failed, the US would renew and intensify strikes.

The economic impact was severe, with oil prices soaring and supply chains disrupted.

An Iowa farmer told CBS News the cost of filling up had more than doubled since December.

The talks were closely watched by global stakeholders, with cautious optimism tempered by deep mistrust.

Trump issued a cryptic social media post calling it the world's most powerful reset.

BBC

Lebanese and Israeli diplomats agreed to meet in Washington on Tuesday.

The outcome could determine whether the ceasefire evolves into a broader peace framework or collapses.

Analysts warned that Islamabad faced limitations in ensuring long-term enforcement.

The talks highlighted how regional conflicts are increasingly multilayered.