Iran11 April, 20262 min read
US And Iran Begin Direct Peace Talks In Pakistan To End War
Direct U.S.–Iran talks in Islamabad led by Vice President JD Vance and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. Negotiations aim to convert a two-week ceasefire into lasting peace.
Historic Talks Begin
The United States and Iran began direct peace talks in Islamabad, marking the highest-level face-to-face engagement since 1979. Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. delegation, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Iranian delegation was headed by Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Araghchi.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir participated as mediators. The talks aimed to convert a two-week truce into lasting peace and address key issues including sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and Israel's attacks on Lebanon. Trump tweeted that the U.S. had begun clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to countries all over the world.
Contentious Preconditions
Iran insisted that frozen assets be unfrozen and a Lebanon ceasefire be promoted before negotiations could proceed. Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf stated that two measures mutually agreed upon have yet to be implemented. The United States had not publicly responded to these requests.
Trump tweeted that Iran has no leverage and can only seek a way out through negotiation. The Human Rights Activists News Agency put the Iranian death toll at almost 3,400. Israel and Lebanon were expected to hold direct talks next week.
Strait of Hormuz and Regional Fallout
Trump claimed the U.S. had begun clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media denied that U.S. warships had crossed the strait. The war had severely blocked off the Persian Gulf from the world economy.
The Israeli military said it had hit more than 200 targets in Lebanon in the past day. The United Nations agency chiefs demanded an end to impunity for international law violations. The war had killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 1,953 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel.
Skepticism and Challenges
Skepticism surrounded the U.S. delegation due to lack of diplomatic experience. The talks took place amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Iran's Foreign Minister said Tehran was entering talks with deep distrust.
Trump launched another attack on media coverage while negotiations were underway. The war had killed thousands and displaced millions across the region.
