Launch of U.S.-Iran Negotiations in Islamabad Amidst High Tension
Negotiations between the United States and Iran commenced on Saturday in Islamabad, aimed at exploring avenues to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who held two separate meetings with delegations from both countries prior to the start of the official discussions.
Preliminary Bilateral Meetings Before Negotiations
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Shehbaz Sharif engaged with the U.S. delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, advisor and son-in-law to the U.S. President.
The Pakistani leader also met with the Iranian delegation in a distinct session before the negotiations began, which took place in a climate marked by significant mistrust. No details were provided regarding the agenda or the nature of the talks, which could be either direct or indirect.
Diplomatic Consultations and Initial Exchanges
According to Iranian media, including the “Fars” agency, the meeting with the Iranian delegation took place at the Serena Hotel. Tehran was expected to decide on its effective participation in the negotiations throughout Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of the United States arrived in Islamabad shortly after landing, in a capital under high security.
Pakistan’s Role and International Involvement
Islamabad has established a team of experts charged with providing technical support for the discussions, particularly on issues related to maritime navigation, nuclear matters, and other sensitive topics.
Additionally, several countries, including Egypt, Turkey, and China, are closely monitoring the evolution of these talks while maintaining diplomatic coordination with Pakistan.
