Iran-US Talks Begin in Islamabad Amid Tensions Over Ceasefire, Assets and Regional Security

Islamabad, April 2026 : High-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States commenced in Islamabad on Saturday evening, according to Iranian media reports, as both sides attempt to navigate a fragile ceasefire and rising tensions in the Middle East.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency confirmed that the talks are focusing on multiple critical issues, including the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon, the release of Iranian assets frozen by the US, and the need for detailed technical and expert-level discussions. The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, is also a major point of discussion.

According to the report, Iran has expressed concern that the ceasefire in Lebanon has not been fully enforced. Tehran maintains that Washington bears responsibility for ensuring that Israel adheres to the agreement. “The Iranian delegation is pursuing this issue seriously through the Pakistani mediator and also in the discussion room,” the agency noted, underlining the importance Iran attaches to regional stability.

Amid the ongoing negotiations, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref issued a stern warning, stating that no agreement would be possible if the United States prioritises Israel’s interests over broader regional peace. In a post on X, he said, “If we face representatives of ‘Israel First,’ there will be no deal. We will continue our defence even more vigorously, and the world will face greater costs.” However, he added that a mutually beneficial agreement remains achievable if negotiations are conducted fairly.

The talks are being led by senior representatives from both sides. Iran’s delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, while the US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance. Their presence in Islamabad signals the seriousness of the diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions following weeks of conflict.

The current crisis traces back to February 28, when Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities. The attacks reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military officials and civilians. In retaliation, Iran launched multiple missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US interests across the region and imposed tighter controls over the Strait of Hormuz, raising global concerns over energy security.

A two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States came into effect earlier this week. However, Israel has maintained that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon and has continued its military operations there. Reports indicate that Israel carried out one of its largest single-day offensives in Lebanon recently, resulting in heavy casualties and further complicating the peace process.

Ahead of the negotiations, Qalibaf had demanded concrete steps, including a verified ceasefire in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets, as preconditions for meaningful dialogue. While Tasnim reported that Washington had agreed to release the funds, US officials have denied such claims, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the issue.

As discussions continue in Islamabad, the outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications not only for Iran-US relations but also for stability across the Middle East.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)