Important talks between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing tensions and ending the confrontation — which also involves Israel — have begun in Islamabad. The negotiations are taking place with active mediation by Pakistan, whose Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said both delegations were participating constructively. The American side is led by Vice President J.D. Vance, who before the meetings emphasized his team's determination and warned against attempts at manipulation.
The high-level Iranian delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf; it also includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and numerous experts in politics, security, and economics. Before the official meetings, the Pakistani side held separate preparatory sessions with U.S. and Iranian intelligence teams to agree on the agenda and the possibility of moving to direct talks.
One of the key issues in the talks is the potential unfreezing of Iranian assets in Qatar and other banks. According to sources, this could become a condition for Tehran to provide guarantees for the safe passage of ships through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, an official White House spokesperson denied the existence of such an agreement, underscoring the sensitivity of the financial and related security issues.
Despite an atmosphere of cautious optimism in the media, both sides express significant distrust. Iranian representatives, in particular Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran entered the talks in a context of complete lack of trust due to past breaches of commitments by Washington. Speaker Ghalibaf also noted a negative historical experience of negotiations with the U.S., but confirmed Iran's readiness to reach an agreement if the American side shows sincerity.
The agenda includes high-risk topics, including Iran’s nuclear program, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and Tehran’s demands for a ceasefire in Lebanon. Talks may proceed in two parallel formats — direct and indirect through Pakistani mediators. According to sources, the process has no rigid time frames and allows flexibility to achieve a result or to exit the dialogue.
Pakistani authorities are providing unprecedented security measures in Islamabad, deploying thousands of military personnel and security forces, and fully closing the area where the talks are being held. Islamabad stresses its readiness to create the most favorable and secure environment for these sensitive negotiations, the outcome of which could determine the future course of regional tensions in the Middle East.
Comments on the news
What role does the Parliament Speaker (Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf) usually play in Iran’s foreign policy, given that negotiations are often associated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? — Formally, the Parliament Speaker of Iran is not responsible for foreign policy — that is the prerogative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Supreme Leader. However, figures like Ghalibaf (a former military commander and influential politician) can publicly articulate positions on international issues, influence domestic debate, and sometimes participate in informal diplomatic contacts, especially within the conservative camp.
Why is Qatar often mentioned in the context of frozen Iranian assets, and what is its role as a financial intermediary for Iran? — Qatar, as a neutral and financially powerful Gulf state, maintains working relations with both Iran and the West. It acts as an intermediary in matters of unblocking Iranian assets frozen due to sanctions, offering channels for transfers or transactions that help reduce tension. Its role is tied to diplomatic flexibility and economic interests.
Why are demands for a ceasefire in Lebanon part of the U.S.–Iran negotiation agenda, and what is Iran’s connection to the conflict in Lebanon? — Iran has supported the Lebanese group Hezbollah (a political and military force) for decades, providing it with resources and ideological backing. Hezbollah regularly takes part in clashes with Israel on the Lebanon border. The U.S., as an ally of Israel, is interested in reducing escalation, so the issue of a ceasefire is raised in talks with Iran (even indirect ones) to influence Hezbollah through its Iranian patrons.
Full version: بدء مفاوضات إسلام آباد.. لقاءات باكستانية مع الوفدين الأمريكي والإيراني