Direct U.S.-Iran negotiations underway in Pakistan
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Vance arrives in Pakistan. Photo: Jacquelyn Martin - Pool/Getty
Direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, began in Islamabad on Saturday, according to a White House official.
Why it matters: While the meeting itself is historic — the highest-level engagement between U.S. and Iranian officials since 1979 — the chances for success appear low. Both sides know the risk of failure is renewed war, but have clashing visions for peace.
Driving the news: "The U.S., Pakistan and Iran are holding a trilateral face to face meetings today in Islamabad," the White House official said.
- The U.S. delegation for the talks is headed by Vice President JD Vance and includes also White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
- "A full suite of U.S. experts on relevant subject areas are present in Islamabad. Additional experts are supporting from Washington", the White House official said.
The Iranian delegation is headed by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar are also attending the talks.
- Before the direct negotiations started Saturday, each of the delegations exchanged messages directly though separate meetings with Sharif.
What they are saying: Iranian media reported that the Iranian delegation agreed to hold the direct talks after the indirect talks made progress and after Iran received assurances that Israel would restrain its strikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon. It is unclear if such a commitment was given by Israel.
- The Iranian press also claimed the U.S. agreed to release frozen Iranian funds, but a U.S. official denied that.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated
