Pakistan Brokers Secret US-Iran Peace Talks

Pakistan is hosting negotiations between Iran and the United States in Islamabad this weekend, as the two sides seek what officials described as a durable peace after a conflict that began in late February. The talks come after a two-week ceasefire agreement reached on Tuesday night that paused fighting which has caused thousands of deaths and disrupted the global economy.

Delegations arrived in Pakistan ahead of the discussions, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani officials have presented their country as a facilitator and said they are maintaining a neutral posture while supporting the process through mediation.

Security in Islamabad has been tightened for the negotiations. Army and paramilitary forces have been deployed, and authorities declared a public holiday on Thursday and Friday as part of the measures surrounding the talks.

The ceasefire reached on Tuesday night was described as a diplomatic win for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, but officials and participants still face unresolved issues. One key uncertainty is whether Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire terms, a point that the United States and Israel dispute, according to the account of the negotiations.

The conflict was described as having been triggered by attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States. In response, Iran imposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which the account said contributed to a severe global energy crisis and broader economic disruption.

The duration of the Islamabad talks has not been specified. However, the Serena Hotel, identified as a possible venue, is reserved until Sunday night, suggesting an initial window for negotiations while leaving the timetable open-ended.