US, Iran to hold high-stakes talks in Pakistan

Pakistan is set to play a pivotal role in mediating a critical meeting between the United States and Iran, scheduled for Saturday. This gathering aims to resolve a six-week conflict, though tensions remain high as both sides present competing demands. The ceasefire, which has held for two weeks, has paused strikes by the US and Israel on Iran but has not achieved its broader goals of reopening the Strait of Hormuz or stopping Israeli assaults in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s rocket fire continues unabated in the region.

Key Players in the Talks

The US delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, along with envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, who are traveling to Islamabad. Iran’s representatives, led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, arrived in the capital on Friday. Qalibaf emphasized skepticism, stating,

“We have good intentions but we do not trust.”

He added that discussions would only begin if Washington unblocks Iranian assets and extends the ceasefire to Lebanon, where Israeli attacks on Hezbollah have claimed nearly 2,000 lives since the war began on February 28.

US and Israeli strikes on Iran have been suspended, yet the agreement remains contested. The US maintains Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire, a stance Iran disputes. President Donald Trump, speaking before the talks, criticized Iran, claiming it had “no cards” other than blocking the Strait of Hormuz. He described this as “a short-term extortion of the World by using International Waterways,” and asserted,

“The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”

on his Truth Social platform.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has facilitated the negotiations, called the talks a “make-or-break moment.” The proceedings will determine whether the conflict can be resolved or if further escalation looms. Friday’s updates highlight the urgency of the situation, with detailed coverage available in the latest live blog.