Iran delegation arrives in Pakistan for US talks, as Lebanon and Israel to discuss ceasefire
An Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for high-stakes talks with the US amid a fragile ceasefire, while Israel and Lebanon plan separate discussions on a potential ceasefire in Washington.
Iran-US Talks in Pakistan
Pakistan is hosting these “make-or-break” negotiations scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, leveraging its ties with both nations as a mediator. The Iranian team, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, landed on Friday and insists on US preconditions like addressing sanctions and regional security before formal talks proceed. US Vice President JD Vance heads the American side, joined by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, expressing cautious optimism but warning against insincere engagement.
Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Discussions
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced that ambassadors from Lebanon and Israel agreed via phone call to meet Tuesday, April 15, 2026, at the US State Department to discuss a ceasefire and negotiation start. This follows Hezbollah’s involvement since March 2, 2026, sparking Israeli strikes, with over 1,953 killed in Lebanon. Uncertainty persists on whether the US-Iran truce covers Lebanon, as Israel views Hezbollah as the core issue and continues operations.
These developments occur against recent escalations, including Iran’s reported Strait of Hormuz closure and Israeli actions in Lebanon, testing the two-week-old US-Iran ceasefire. President Trump praised Pakistan’s role, noting its military chief’s Iran expertise. Security is heightened in Islamabad’s Red Zone.
