US And Iran Begin First Direct Peace Talks In Islamabad Since 1979 Revolution

Pakistan is set to host direct peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad.

The talks come days after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

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Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan announced the Iranian delegation would arrive despite skepticism due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israel.

He deleted the post shortly after, with embassy officials saying it was sent prematurely.

The White House confirmed Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged highest support to the delegations.

The talks are scheduled to begin on Saturday at Islamabad's Serena Hotel.

The Iranian delegation is expected to include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf.

It remains unclear whether any representative from Iran's IRGC will attend.

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Ghalibaf has expressed skepticism about the talks, calling negotiations illogical.

The White House confirmed Kushner and Witkoff will participate alongside Vance.

The format of the talks remains unclear, but direct negotiations are expected.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to facilitate the negotiations.

The talks will build on Iran's 10-point proposal and address core issues such as the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions relief.

“Islamabad, Pakistan – Pavements are being painted, an already formidable security presence is being bolstered, and an air of anticipation — and anxiety — is gripping Pakistan’s capital as it prepares to host meetings that the world will watch this weekend”

Al Jazeera

The ceasefire is already under strain amid different interpretations of its terms.

Ghalibaf claimed three out of 10 clauses in the framework had been violated.

Leavitt described media reports of a 10-point Iranian proposal as inaccurate.

An initial fundamentally unserious Iranian proposal was discarded and later amended.

Pakistan's role as mediator marks a significant shift in its international standing.

Analysts attribute this transformation to geographic necessity, deft diplomacy, and shifting regional alliances.

Al-Jazeera Net

Pakistan has been acutely affected by the energy fallout from Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.

Islamabad also signed a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia last year.

The talks come as the world watches whether the two sides can translate a fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace.