Key talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations commenced in Islamabad, Pakistan, aiming to de-escalate regional conflict, state media reported Saturday.
Iran-U.S. Peace Talks Underway
The Iranian delegation, participating in discussions in Islamabad focused on resolving Middle Eastern conflict, began a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is acting as a mediator, according to Iranian state television.
The terms of the Iranian-American talks, whose agenda and format are currently unknown, will be determined after the conclusion of this meeting, the television station reported.
Negotiation Format
Media reports on Friday indicated the negotiations would likely mirror the format of previous talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program – prior to the U.S.-Israeli offensive – where U.S. and Iranian delegations would not communicate directly, but through intermediaries.
Asset Unfreezing as a Potential Breakthrough
Reuters reported, citing a high-ranking Iranian source, that the U.S. has agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets in Qatar and in banks in other countries. The source characterized this as a hopeful sign for reaching an agreement. On Friday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf stated that unfreezing assets, as well as including Lebanon in a ceasefire, are necessary before negotiations can begin.
Delegation Composition
The Iranian delegation is led by Ghalibaf and includes Foreign Minister Abbas Aragczi. The U.S. delegation consists of Vice President J.D. Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Ceasefire Preceded Talks
The Pakistani-mediated peace talks are a result of Iran and the U.S. agreeing to a two-week ceasefire from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.
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