U.S. and Iranian delegations continued Pakistan-mediated talks into Monday morning Islamabad time, with the two sides having completed three rounds of discussion.
U.S. officials have said the talks continue with Vice President JD Vance leading the parleys but have not provided further details. Pakistani officials have been tight-lipped on the conversations. Hours ago, a Pakistani official described the talks as “progressing well.”
However, Iranian officials have provided some sketchy details through their media.
As talks continued in Islamabad, President Donald Trump said the United States had started “clearing out” the Strait of Hormuz.
“We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
US, Iran Hold Direct Talks in Islamabad as World Watches for Breakthrough
The talks, spanning more than 12 hours and reported information in the Iranian media suggest that a significant, yet delicate diplomatic moment may be unfolding in Islamabad, where teams of experts from Iran and the United States have moved from discussions to sharing written proposals following hours of direct, in-person negotiations.
If correct, the development signals a transition from preliminary engagement to structured bargaining, often considered a critical phase in high-stakes diplomacy.
According to statements shared by the Iranian government on X, the discussions have now reached what it described as the “expert-level stage,” involving specialized committees spanning economic, military, legal, and nuclear domains. This multi-layered participation underscores the complexity of the issues at hand and reflects the depth of mistrust that has historically defined relations between Washington and Tehran.
Reports by parts of Iranian and Pakistani media indicate that a third round of talks is already underway, suggesting both urgency and a willingness on both sides to sustain dialogue despite longstanding tensions. The reported exchange of written texts is particularly notable, as it implies that both parties are attempting to formalize their positions, reduce ambiguity, and potentially outline frameworks for compromise.
Ceasefire Context: A Narrow Window for Peace
These negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of a fragile, two-week ceasefire in the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran. The conflict, which began with coordinated US-Israeli strikes on February 28, rapidly escalated into a broader regional crisis, destabilizing multiple fronts across the Middle East and sending shockwaves through global economic systems.
The pause in hostilities was brokered on April 7 through diplomatic intervention by Pakistan, creating a narrow but crucial window for negotiations. This ceasefire has not only halted immediate violence but has also enabled both sides to come to the table in Islamabad, marking a rare moment of direct engagement after weeks of confrontation.
High-Level Delegations Signal Serious Intent
The composition of the delegations further highlights the significance of these talks. The US team is led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by senior figures including Jared Kushner—son-in-law to President Donald Trump—and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
On the Iranian side, the delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, alongside other senior officials. The presence of such high-ranking representatives indicates that both governments are treating the negotiations as strategically vital, with potential implications far beyond the immediate conflict.
Tehran’s Position: Commitment with Caution
In a public statement on X, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s delegation remains “fully committed” to safeguarding national interests. He expressed hope that negotiators would proceed with courage, a remark that reflects both optimism and the pressure facing Iranian officials amid domestic and international scrutiny.
Pezeshkian further noted that regardless of the negotiations outcome, the government would “stand by its people,” signaling an attempt to balance diplomatic engagement with assurances of national resilience. His statement, while measured, underscores Tehran’s dual approach: openness to negotiation paired with readiness for continued resistance if talks fail.
A Defining Moment for Regional Stability
The ongoing third round of talks in Islamabad represents more than a routine diplomatic engagement—it is a potential conclusive moment for the future of Middle Eastern stability. The structured exchange of written proposals, the involvement of expert committees, and the presence of top-tier leadership all point to a serious attempt at de-escalation.
US, Iranian Leaders Meet Pakistan PM as Islamabad Hopes Talks Will Bring Lasting Peace
Yet, the fragility of the ceasefire and the deep-rooted mistrust between the United States and Iran continue to cast uncertainty over the process. Whether these negotiations will yield a sustainable agreement or collapse under geopolitical pressures remains to be seen.
For now, Islamabad stands at the center of a high-stakes diplomatic effort—one that could either reshape regional dynamics or mark yet another missed opportunity in a long history of contested engagement.
Kiran Asim is a writer who covers the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. Her reports and analyses look at the geostrategic issues and contemporary developments and their economic and political implications. She also writes about society and education.
Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.
Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist working for TV and electronic and print media outlets. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times for more than 30 years. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award and the Pride of Performance award in 1997.
