Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad
A high-level Iranian delegation led by Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late Friday for crucial peace talks with the United States, as efforts intensify to stabilise a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the delegation was received at the airport by foreign minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, army chief field marshal Asim Munir and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi. Dar expressed hope for constructive engagement and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating “a lasting and durable solution”.The talks come days after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire in the six-week-long war, even as tensions remain high.
Iran sets conditions ahead of talks
Even as it agreed to participate, Tehran has cast doubt over the immediate start of negotiations by insisting that certain preconditions be met. According to Reuters, Iran wants the release of blocked financial assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel continues operations against Hezbollah, before formal talks can proceed.Speaking on arrival in Islamabad, Qalibaf reiterated Iran’s scepticism towards Washington. “Our experience of negotiations with the Americans has always been met with failure and breach of promise. We have goodwill but no trust,” he said.The delegation itself reflects the gravity of the talks. It includes around 70 members, comprising senior officials and technical experts in economic, political, security and legal domains. The breadth of representation signals that discussions could span issues from sanctions relief and nuclear concerns to regional security and control of key energy routes.Iran has also maintained a hard line on its strategic interests, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint that Tehran continues to influence. The blockade has already disrupted energy supplies worldwide and contributed to rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
US warns against “bad faith” negotiations
Meanwhile, US Vice President J D Vance, who will lead the American delegation and is expected to arrive in Islamabad shortly, warned that Washington is open to talks but will not tolerate bad faith. “If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive,” he said, as per news agency AP.Washington’s primary objectives are believed to include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and addressing its regional military posture. However, analysts note that the gap between US demands and Iran’s conditions remains wide.Despite Trump’s assertion that Iran has been militarily weakened, Reuters reported that Tehran still retains significant missile and drone capabilities, along with a substantial stockpile of enriched uranium.
Talks seen as ‘make-or-break’ moment
Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a “make-or-break phase”, highlighting the stakes as both sides attempt to bridge big differences and prevent a renewed escalation in the region.While the ceasefire has paused direct hostilities, parallel conflicts continue to complicate the situation. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have persisted, and Hezbollah has responded with rocket fire, raising concerns that the truce could collapse.Additionally, disagreements over the scope of the ceasefire, particularly whether it includes Lebanon, have further strained the fragile understanding between the parties.With global energy markets rattled and geopolitical tensions running high, the Islamabad talks represent a critical attempt to prevent a return to full-scale conflict. However, with deep mistrust and competing demands on both sides, the path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain.