Islamabad, April 11,2026: The United States and Iran have begun direct talks in Pakistan to discuss ending their six-week conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key issue during the negotiations.
The talks started in Islamabad on Saturday after separate meetings between the two delegations and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The negotiations come days after a fragile ceasefire was announced.
The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance and includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s delegation is headed by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Officials initially expected indirect discussions, but sources said the two sides are now engaged in direct negotiations with Pakistani mediators present.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he hopes the talks will contribute to lasting peace in the region.
His office said the negotiations could serve as a stepping stone toward durable peace.
The talks are proceeding despite earlier Iranian demands for commitments related to Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire and discussions over US sanctions.
Iranian officials have also raised the issue of unfreezing Iranian assets, though no agreement has been announced.
Ghalibaf said Iran is ready to reach a deal if the United States presents what he described as a genuine agreement that respects Iran’s rights.
President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire earlier this week, temporarily halting US and Israeli air strikes on Iran.
However, the conflict’s wider impact continues as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has affected global energy supplies.
Fighting involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon also remains unresolved, with disagreements continuing over whether that conflict should be included in the ceasefire framework.
Officials say the Islamabad negotiations remain in the early stages, with Pakistan expressing cautious optimism that progress can be achieved.
Make Us Your Trusted Source