US negotiators due to arrive in Pakistan for ceasefire talks
US negotiators, led by Vice President JD Vance, are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, today for high-stakes ceasefire talks with Iran amid an ongoing regional conflict. Iranian delegations, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have already reached the city, though Tehran insists on preconditions like a Lebanon ceasefire and release of blocked assets before formal discussions begin.
Talks Context
Pakistan is mediating these “make-or-break” negotiations, leveraging its ties with both nations, as a fragile two-week US-Iran ceasefire holds despite tensions. President Trump has issued warnings to Iran via social media, emphasizing no concessions without good-faith progress, while Vance expressed readiness to engage if Iran reciprocates.
Key Players
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US side: JD Vance (lead), special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner.
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Iran side: Ghalibaf, Araghchi; state media confirms their arrival but ties talks to demands.
Related Developments
Israel and Lebanon plan separate US-mediated ceasefire talks in Washington on Tuesday, with Iran linking its participation to progress there. Security is heightened in Islamabad with thousands of forces deployed.
