Peace negotiations between the United States and Iran are scheduled to commence Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan, with J.D. Vance warning against underestimation.
US-Iran Talks Set to Begin in Islamabad
Peace talks between Iran and the United States will begin on Saturday, April 11th, in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. J.D. Vance expressed anticipation for the negotiations.
Vance stated that Donald Trump provided clear directives regarding the talks.
Vance Warns Iran Against “Playing Games”
The US Vice President emphasized that if Iran “tries to play games” with the Americans, they will find the negotiating team unwilling to reach an agreement. Vance reiterated that President Trump had given him clear guidance for the discussions with Iran.
Delegation Details and Key Participants
J.D. Vance will lead the American delegation, which will also include Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law. The Iranian delegation is expected to be headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, though Pakistani Prime Minister Masud Pezeshkian also confirmed his participation this week.
Negotiation Format Expected to Mirror Past Talks
The format of the negotiations has not been officially confirmed, but reports suggest it will resemble previous talks concerning Iran’s nuclear program, conducted before the US-Israeli offensive. This would mean direct talks between US and Iranian delegations will not occur, but will be mediated.
Islamabad Under Lockdown for Security
Islamabad resembles a ghost town due to the extraordinary security measures implemented, with a heavy presence of security forces and the military. The Pakistani government has not officially announced the location of the negotiations or where the delegations will stay.
Many media outlets report the Serena Hotel, a five-star establishment in the government district near the Foreign Ministry, as the likely location. Hotel guests were asked to check out on Wednesday due to an “important event.”
CIA and Secret Service Secure Location
Pakistani newspaper “Dawn” reported that a 30-member team from the CIA and Secret Service arrived in Islamabad on Thursday to inspect the hotel and other security arrangements. A three-kilometer security zone has been established around the hotel, accessible only to authorized vehicles.
Streets leading to the government district are patrolled by police and the military, and roadblocks made of containers and barbed wire have been set up along roads leading to Nur Khan Airbase and the former airport.
Pakistani Security Forces Deployed
Pakistani authorities stated that over 10,000 security personnel – military, police, and paramilitary units – will ensure security during the negotiations. Thursday and Friday are public holidays in Islamabad, contributing to the city’s deserted appearance.
Pakistan Views Hosting Talks as an Honor
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on Friday that hosting the US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad is an honor for Pakistan. The Minister of Interior instructed all possible measures to be taken to ensure the safety of the arriving delegations.
