In a major diplomatic push that could reshape the future of the Middle East, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Pakistan on Saturday to lead direct peace talks with senior Iran officials. The negotiations are aimed at reinforcing a fragile ceasefire that took effect earlier this week and preventing the region from sliding back into war.
The talks, taking place in Islamabad, mark the highest-level face-to-face contact between Washington and Tehran since the current conflict began more than a month ago. The U.S. delegation, led by Vance, is reportedly focused on securing a more durable truce, restoring safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, and reducing the risk of further regional escalation.
Iran’s delegation is led by Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, with senior diplomats also participating. Tehran has entered the talks with clear demands, including an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian financial assets. These conditions highlight how delicate and complex the negotiations remain.
