Senior US and Iranian officials convened in Islamabad on Saturday for high-stakes talks aimed at turning a fragile ceasefire into a more durable peace after six weeks of fighting that has killed thousands, disrupted energy markets and strained the global economy.
Pakistan is hosting and facilitating the discussions, which DW understands are unfolding in two separate tracks — Pakistan with the United States, and Pakistan with Iran — with the possibility of a trilateral format if progress is made on core demands and conditions. Pakistani officials say they stand ready to facilitate in any capacity required, while the ultimate structure will be decided by Tehran and Washington.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the talks had “commenced” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the US negotiating team. Vance was accompanied by senior US envoys including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s delegation is led by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who met Sharif ahead of the negotiations. Iranian media reported Qalibaf said Iran would decide whether to proceed only after its meeting with Sharif, noting skepticism rooted in past failed talks with the United States.
Key disputes complicating the talks
A major sticking point is Lebanon. Iran insists any ceasefire must include an end to Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon; Tehran has warned it could withdraw from the ceasefire arrangement if attacks on Lebanon continue. The US and Israel have rejected including Lebanese operations in the ceasefire deal, saying the conflict there is separate. Israel’s recent large-scale missile barrage and continued operations in southern Lebanon — which Lebanese officials say killed hundreds in a single wave of strikes — have intensified tensions and threatened to derail negotiations.
Other issues expected to dominate the talks include:
– Sanctions relief and the unfreezing of Iranian funds held abroad. Iranian sources told Reuters that $6 billion in funds might be released from Qatar, a claim the White House has denied.
– Access and control of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran seeking leverage and potential fees for transit, while the US insists on full, unfettered international maritime access.
– Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, where the US and Israel demand significant curbs, while Iran seeks to continue enrichment and preserve its program.
– The US military presence in the Gulf: Iran calls for US force reductions and non-aggression commitments; Washington says forces will remain until a deal is reached.
Security and diplomatic context
The talks occur amid renewed exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanon-Israel border, including Israeli encirclement of Hezbollah positions and retaliatory rocket fire from the militia. The violence has added urgency to the Islamabad negotiations but also increased the risk of collapse.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the parties to “engage constructively,” and Islamabad imposed heightened security measures as delegations arrived. Analysts say the mediation role is sensitive for Pakistan, which seeks regional stability but must navigate competing US and Iranian interests.
Statements and denials
The White House denied reports that it had agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets in Qatar and other banks. Reuters had cited unnamed Iranian sources claiming a direct link between any funds release and Iranian assurances on the Strait of Hormuz. US officials have signaled they are willing to consider concessions — including on some financial and sanctions-related matters — if Iran agrees to verifiable limits on its nuclear and missile programs.
Voices from both sides
Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized Lebanon’s inclusion as essential, and Qalibaf warned of skepticism based on “experience in negotiating with the Americans” and broken promises. The US delegation, represented at the highest level by Vice President Vance, framed Washington as ready to extend an “open hand” if Iran negotiates in good faith.
Outlook
Negotiators face a narrow window to convert a tenuous truce into a sustainable settlement while preventing further escalation in Lebanon and the wider region. Progress will hinge on resolving the Lebanon dispute, bridging differences over sanctions and the nuclear and missile dossiers, and managing mutual distrust after years of confrontation. Pakistan’s facilitation offers a third-party channel, but success will depend on Tehran and Washington reaching reciprocal, enforceable commitments.