All eyes on Islamabad: US-Iran talks start under fragile truce

Global attention has shifted to Islamabad, where senior officials from the United States and Iran are scheduled to meet today for high-level talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East and sustaining a fragile ceasefire following weeks of intense conflict.

The Islamabad dialogue comes at a time of deep regional uncertainty and growing global economic concern.

The immediate objective of the talks is to establish sufficient common ground between Washington and Tehran to keep negotiations alive and convert the current 15-day ceasefire into a pathway towards longer-term stability.

The United States delegation is being led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, repre enting President Donald Trump.

Iran’s team is headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, joined by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other senior officials, including figures associated with the Revolutionary Guard.

Pakistan is hosting and facilitating the negotiations, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif playing a key diplomatic role alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Before departing for Pakistan, JD Vance told reporters at Joint Base Andrews that he expected constructive discussions and was optimistic about the outcome.

He said President Trump had provided “clear guidelines” for the negotiations, adding: “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they try to play us, the negotiating team will not be receptive.”

Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement has been widely credited with helping to secure the current ceasefire, creating the space necessary for dialogue.

Security preparations in Islamabad have been extensive, with authorities placing the capital on high alert and deploying more than 10,000 personnel to ensure safety during the talks.

Key areas of the city have been secured, with restricted access to sensitive zones, controlled entry points and traffic diversions in place.

A central control room has been established to coordinate security and logistics, while international delegates and media have been granted visa-on-arrival facilities to facilitate participation.

The talks follow a period of sharp military escalation that began in late February, when coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region.

The conflict quickly expanded, with missile and drone strikes affecting strategic sites and military bases.

One of the most serious consequences has been Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.

The disruption has contributed to rising oil and gas shortages and increased pressure on international markets, raising concerns about a potential global economic slowdown.

Against this backdrop, the Islamabad negotiations are seen as an important opportunity to stabilise the region and reduce the risk of further escalation.

Discussions are expected to focus on competing diplomatic frameworks, including a 10-point proposal from Iran and a 15-point plan put forward by the United States.
Pakistan’s mediation efforts have drawn international attention.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly contacted Shehbaz Sharif to commend Islamabad’s role, while several European and international leaders expressed support for continued dialogue and de-escalation efforts.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and regional stability, emphasising the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement.

However, uncertainty remains over the scope of the ceasefire, particularly regarding ongoing hostilities in Lebanon.

Iran and Pakistan maintain that Lebanon is included in the ceasefire arrangement, while the United States and Israel have indicated otherwise.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that negotiations would lose meaning if military operations continue during the dialogue process.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in quietly supporting the ceasefire and encouraging restraint.

Diplomats say a successful outcome could help reopen key shipping routes, stabilise energy markets and restore confidence in global trade, while failure could risk renewed conflict and further economic disruption.

Former Pakistani ambassador Jamil Ahmed described Islamabad’s role as an example of “quiet diplomacy turning crisis into opportunity by building trust and helping create conditions for a possible breakthrough”.

The outcome of the Islamabad talks is expected to play a significant role in shaping the immediate future of the Middle East and broader global stability.