Vance Heads to Islamabad as Iran Arrives for Ceasefire Talks

Mintesinot Nigussie

US Vice President JD Vance is travelling to Islamabad as Iranian officials arrive for negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in a conflict now entering its sixth week. An Iranian delegation led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi reached the Pakistani capital on Friday.

They are expected to meet US representatives including special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner. The talks take place amid a war that has killed thousands and caused extensive damage across Iran and Lebanon.

The conflict has disrupted energy markets, raised fuel costs and added pressure to the global economy. Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue, with Iran maintaining that it will not give up its legitimate rights in any way.

Disagreements persist over the scope of a temporary truce announced earlier this week. The two sides differ on whether it applies to fighting in Lebanon and whether Iran has met commitments to reopen the strait to all vessels.

Shortly before arriving, Ghalibaf raised new conditions for the talks, calling for the release of unspecified Iranian assets held abroad “before negotiations begin.” US President Donald Trump criticised Tehran’s position, saying Iran appeared to be leveraging control of international waterways for short-term advantage.

Meanwhile, Israel has continued air strikes in southern Lebanon targeting positions it says are linked to Hezbollah. The operations have highlighted differences between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mr Trump, who has signalled interest in reaching a negotiated settlement.

Speaking before departure, Vance said he expected the talks to be constructive but warned that the US delegation would be unreceptive if Iran sought to gain leverage during negotiations. The coming days will be critical to determine whether the ceasefire leads to substantive progress.

Businesses in energy, shipping and insurance sectors are closely monitoring the talks, as any successful outcome could ease pressure on global oil prices and trade routes.

Overall, the high-level meeting in Islamabad represents a significant diplomatic effort to stabilise the fragile ceasefire and reduce regional violence.