An aircraft transporting senior US officials touched down in Islamabad on Saturday afternoon, paving the way for important discussions with Iran to conclude a six-week conflict that has destabilized the Middle East and affected the global economy, according to Reuters.
Sources in Pakistan indicate that the group features Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner, who are spearheading the American side in these negotiations.
The American representatives arrived shortly after the Iranian team landed in Islamabad early Saturday. The Iranian group, headed by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is present in the Pakistani capital to address the dispute involving the US and Israel, as stated by Iran’s foreign ministry.
Reports from Mehr News Agency suggest that the Iranian and US teams will initially conduct separate sessions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Following these preliminary meetings, the primary phase of indirect talks is anticipated to start.
Pakistan expressed optimism that the involved parties will participate productively and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts toward a sustainable resolution of the dispute.
Prior to the start of official sessions, Iran indicated potential challenges in the process.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that discussions cannot advance without assurances regarding Lebanon and the release of frozen Iranian funds. He noted that the US had previously committed to these conditions and that Tehran anticipates fulfillment of those promises.
However, he also expressed willingness for an accord if the US presents a sincere proposal and acknowledges Iran’s entitlements.
US President Donald Trump adopted a firm stance before the negotiations, posting on social media that Iran lacks leverage and is using international shipping routes as bargaining tools.
‘Iranians don’t seem to understand they have no leverage. The only reason they’re at the table is to talk!’ he posted.
Vice President JD Vance offered a more balanced perspective, anticipating a favorable result but cautioning, ‘If they attempt to manipulate us, they’ll discover the negotiation team isn’t accommodating.’
The magnitude of the discussions is evident in the large delegations.
Iran’s contingent comprises approximately 70 individuals, including specialists in economics, security, and politics, plus media and administrative personnel. A US preparatory group of around 100 people is also on site in Islamabad.
Stringent security measures have been implemented in the Pakistani capital, with thousands of paramilitary and military forces stationed.
‘We’ve established multiple security layers to ensure no interruptions and complete oversight,’ said junior interior minister Talal Chaudhry.
The negotiations come after a two-week truce declared earlier this week, which paused US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Nevertheless, significant disputes linger.
Iran has not completely eased controls in the Strait of Hormuz, ongoing interference with international energy transport. Additionally, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon persist, prompting uncertainty about whether that area is included in the truce.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Friday resulted in the deaths of 13 state security personnel, with Hezbollah retaliating by launching rockets into northern Israel.
The conflict has caused thousands of fatalities in the region, interrupted energy distributions, and strained the international economy.
Iran is seeking substantial compromises, such as the removal of sanctions and acknowledgment of its oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, where it aims to manage passage and impose fees.
Furthermore, Tehran has indicated intentions to demand reparations for damages incurred during the war.
Although there is diplomatic progress, the parties remain divided on core matters.
Pakistani officials engaged in the arrangements noted it is premature to predict a swift agreement, stating that participants are directed to either achieve a settlement or withdraw.
As the teams establish themselves in Islamabad, the results of these talks could shape whether the area advances toward peace or reverts to heightened conflict.
