A senior Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Islamabad late Friday for high-stakes discussions with the United States, amid ongoing efforts to stabilise a tenuous ceasefire in the Middle East.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the delegation was welcomed by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Dar voiced optimism about meaningful dialogue and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to helping secure a “lasting and durable solution.”
The talks come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week truce in the six-week conflict, though tensions remain elevated.
Iran lays down conditions
Despite agreeing to participate, Tehran has expressed reservations about immediate negotiations, insisting on key preconditions. According to Reuters, Iran is seeking the release of frozen financial assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon—where Israeli operations against Hezbollah continue—before formal talks can proceed.
Upon arrival, Qalibaf reiterated Iran’s distrust of Washington. The size of the delegation—around 70 members, including senior officials and technical experts across economic, political, security, and legal fields—highlights the significance of the discussions.
The agenda is expected to cover a wide range of issues, including sanctions relief, nuclear concerns, regional security, and control of vital energy routes. Iran has maintained a firm stance on its strategic interests, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit chokepoint it continues to influence.
Disruptions in the strait have already impacted global energy supplies, contributing to inflation and economic uncertainty worldwide.
US signals tough stance
US Vice President JD Vance, who is set to lead the American delegation, warned that Washington remains open to dialogue but will not tolerate insincerity in negotiations.
“If they’re going to try to play us, then they’ll find the negotiating team is not that receptive,” he said, according to AP.
The US is expected to prioritise reopening the Strait of Hormuz, limiting Iran’s nuclear programme, and addressing its regional military posture. However, analysts note that significant gaps remain between the two sides’ positions.
Despite Trump’s claims that Iran has been weakened militarily, reports suggest Tehran still retains considerable missile and drone capabilities, along with a substantial stockpile of enriched uranium.
A critical moment
Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a “make-or-break phase,” underlining the urgency of bridging differences to prevent renewed escalation.
Although the ceasefire has paused direct confrontation, parallel conflicts—particularly in southern Lebanon—continue to threaten its stability. Ongoing Israeli strikes and retaliatory rocket fire from Hezbollah have raised concerns about a potential collapse of the truce.
Disputes over the scope of the ceasefire, especially whether it extends to Lebanon, have further complicated the situation.
With global energy markets unsettled and geopolitical tensions high, the Islamabad talks are seen as a pivotal effort to avert a return to full-scale conflict. However, deep mistrust and sharply differing demands mean a lasting resolution remains uncertain.
