US And Iran Hold Historic 15-Hour Peace Talks In Pakistan To End Six-Week War

The United States and Iran held direct face-to-face negotiations for the first time since 1979.

“The United States and Iran are holding in-person talks in Pakistan to end their six-week-old war, days after a fragile ceasefire was agreed”

Al Jazeera

The talks took place in Islamabad, Pakistan, with the U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance.

Al Jazeera

Negotiations stretched into the early hours of Sunday, lasting 15 hours and counting.

The core sticking point was control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump told reporters it makes no difference to me whether the sides make a deal.

The Guardian reported serious disagreements remain but another round was expected.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz emerged as the central obstacle in the negotiations.

The U.S. military began mine-clearing operations in the strait.

Al-Jazeera Net

Iran's joint military command denied the claim.

Qatar announced the full resumption of maritime navigation activities.

The strait remained effectively closed as of Saturday.

Trump warned China there will be consequences if it aids Iran’s war effort.

The war's human cost remained staggering.

The U.S.-based rights group HRANA put the total number of people killed at almost 3,400 in Iran.

More than 2,000 people had been killed in Lebanon.

23 people had died in Israel.

Thirteen U.S. service members had been killed.

The Guardian noted the latest Israeli attacks pushed the death toll to over 2,000.

Reactions to the talks were mixed.

Trump told Fox News that we win regardless of what happens.

BBC

Netanyahu said Israel remains committed to fighting Iran.

The negotiations proceeded despite Tehran's earlier assertions.

The Washington Post highlighted domestic skepticism in the U.S.

The stakes were high with the strait's reopening critical to global energy markets.