US–Iran Ceasefire Talks in Islamabad: Pakistan is hosting important talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad as efforts continue to de-escalate the ongoing Gulf conflict. An Iranian delegation led by Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf has arrived in the capital, while the US delegation is reportedly being led by Vice President JD Vance.
The talks follow weeks after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which escalated into a wider conflict, causing heavy casualties, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and a sharp increase in global oil prices.
Although Pakistan recently helped facilitate a temporary two-week ceasefire, tensions between the sides remain high. The two delegations are expected to hold indirect negotiations, seated in separate rooms at a hotel in Islamabad, with Pakistani officials acting as mediators.
A key point of disagreement is Lebanon, with Iran insisting the ceasefire should also include Israeli strikes there, while the US and Israel oppose this position. Continued violence has raised concerns that the talks may ultimately collapse. (Agencies)
