Peace Talks on the Line: U. S. , Iran Face Hurdles in Islamabad

Date: Saturday, [date]

The United States and Iran are set to meet in Islamabad this Saturday in an effort to halt a conflict that began six weeks ago. The U.S. delegation—led by Vice President J.D. Vance, former envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner—completed a refueling stop in Paris before heading to Pakistan. Iran’s delegation, headed by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, arrived the day before.

Key Conditions for Iran

• Lebanon Commitments: Iran insists that any discussion must include promises about Lebanon, specifically a ceasefire and lifting sanctions.
• Asset Unblocking: Qalibaf cited an earlier U.S. agreement to unblock Iranian assets as a prerequisite for talks.
• Sanctions and Strait Control: Iran seeks new concessions, including ending long‑standing sanctions and gaining control over the Strait of Hormuz to collect transit fees.

U.S. Position

• The White House did not immediately respond to Iran’s demands.
• Former President Trump posted that the Iranians were “alive only for negotiation.”
• Vance told reporters he expected a positive outcome but warned that any games played by Iran would not sway the U.S. team.

Islamabad’s Stance

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the meeting as a “make‑or‑break” event.
• Thousands of soldiers were stationed on the streets in a high‑alert posture as talks approached.

Current Situation

• Ceasefire Status: The war has halted U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, but the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persists, causing a major disruption to global energy supplies.
• Lebanon Conflict: Israeli and Lebanese officials are scheduled to talk in Washington next week, though statements differ on whether a ceasefire will be discussed.
• Casualties: Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon killed 13 security officers in Nabatieh, and Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israeli towns. After a ceasefire announcement, Israel launched a large attack that killed more than 350 people in densely populated areas.

The war has not achieved many of President Trump’s goals, such as removing Iran’s ability to strike neighbors or dismantling its nuclear program.