US and Iran Hold Secret Talks in Islamabad

Pakistan Hosts Historic US-Iran Talks Amid Tensions

Islamabad, Pakistan - A lockdown was imposed on the capital city on Saturday, with roads sealed and over 10,000 security personnel deployed ahead of ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran. The Iranian delegation arrived late on Friday night, following a swift and largely unseen flight route via Balochistan.

The American delegation landed at Nur Khan Air Base, which India claimed to have damaged during the brief war last year. Three individuals from each country were present, including an American and two Iranians. The motorcades moved along pre-cleared routes to the Serena Hotel, where the talks took place.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stated that this was a “make-or-break moment for lasting peace” before the talks began. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, had previously set conditions for the negotiations, including movement on a ceasefire in Lebanon and unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad.

The talks were attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf. Pakistan’s role as a mediator was significant due to its geographical location, regional relations, and close ties with Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The negotiations took place amid deepened mistrust between the two nations, following the killings of Iranian officials, including security chief Ali Larijani. Pakistani officials were able to facilitate communication between the parties without formally belonging to either side, thanks to its unique position in the region.

The 21-hour talks concluded with no immediate results, but officials described them as “continuous” and productive. The outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain, pending further developments.

Source: Al Jazeera