High-stakes talks between the United States and Iran got underway in Islamabad on Saturday, with Pakistan positioning itself as a key mediator in efforts to transform a fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace.
JD Vance, leading the US delegation, held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Sharif also met separately with Iran’s delegation head, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, as diplomatic efforts intensified ahead of formal negotiations, dw.com reports.
In a statement, Sharif’s office confirmed that discussions had “commenced,” expressing hope that the process would lead to “sustainable peace” in the region, while reaffirming Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.
However, early optimism was tempered by a firm denial from the White House regarding reports that Washington had agreed to unfreeze Iranian financial assets held abroad.
The reports, initially cited by sources to Reuters, suggested that the talks could be linked to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage transit route.
Iranian officials have indicated that progress in the negotiations remains contingent on key conditions, including the release of frozen funds and securing a ceasefire in Lebanon.
The talks in Islamabad are being closely watched as a potential turning point in easing regional tensions, amid ongoing concerns over energy security and broader geopolitical stability.
