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U.S.-Iran negotiations start in Pakistan

Barak Ravid

Men — Vance arrives in Pakistan. Photo: Jacquelyn Martin - Pool/Getty

Direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran with Pakistani mediation have started in Islamabad on Saturday, according to Iranian media reports.

Why it matters: While the meeting itself is historic — the most high-level engagement between U.S. and Iranian officials since 1979 — the chances for success appear low. Both sides know the risk of failure is renewed war, but have clashing visions for peace.

Driving the news: The U.S. delegation for the talks is headed by Vice President JD Vance and includes also White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The Iranian delegation is headed by speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and includes foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and foreign minister Ishaq Dar are also attending the talks.
Before the direct negotiations started Saturday, each of the delegations met separately with Sharif exchanged messages indirectly.

What they are saying: Iranian media reported that the Iranian delegation agreed to hold the direct talks after the indirect talks made progress. and after Iran received assurances that Israel would restrain its strikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon. It is unclear if such a commitment was given by Israel.

The Iranian press also claimed the U.S. agreed to release Iranian funds, that were frozen, but a U.S. official denied that.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated

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U.S.-Iran negotiations start in Pakistan

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