Vance Arrives in Islamabad as US-Iran Ceasefire Talks Islamabad 2026 Begin in Earnest

Vance Arrives in Islamabad as US-Iran Ceasefire Talks Islamabad 2026 Begin in Earnest

Quick Reads

• JD Vance arrived in Islamabad to lead US negotiations with Iran, joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
• Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf led Iran’s delegation and insisted talks require US commitments on Lebanon and frozen Iranian assets.
• Mojtaba Khamenei stated Iran does not seek war but will not give up its rights.
• Ongoing Israeli strikes on Hezbollah have killed nearly 2,000 people since March, complicating negotiations.
• Shehbaz Sharif called the talks “make or break,” as Pakistan enforces a strict security lockdown in Islamabad.

JD Vance landed at Nur Khan air base near Islamabad Saturday morning to lead US ceasefire talks with Iran. Both delegations arrived in Pakistan’s capital under extremely tight security, described as one of the country’s largest operations. Pakistan brokered the talks after six weeks of US-Israeli strikes against Iran, raising global stakes in energy markets and regional stability. The negotiations also focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, with implications for global security and long-term geopolitical balance.

Delegations Arrive, and So Do the Doubts

Iran’s team made their mistrust plain from the moment they landed. Ghalibaf told reporters upon arrival: “We have good intentions, but we do not trust. Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises.” — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iranian Parliamentary Speaker, upon arrival in Islamabad 

Vance, for his part, struck a tone of conditional openness before departing Washington. “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand,” he said, while warning that Tehran would “find the negotiating team is not that receptive” if it tried to exploit the process.

Iran Sets Hard Preconditions

Tehran has set two hard conditions before substantive negotiations can begin: a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah have killed nearly 2,000 people since March, and the unfreezing of Iranian assets that Washington previously agreed to unblock, according to Reuters via Al-Monitor.

Israel stated the US-Iran ceasefire does not include Lebanon and continued airstrikes across southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh, killing 13 security personnel.

Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s leverage, saying it relies on short-term pressure through international waterways and must negotiate.

Trump said his top priority in Islamabad is preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, calling it “99 percent” of his goal.

Khamenei Issues First Major Statement Since Taking Power

Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement broadcast on Iranian state television, marking his first public communication since taking office. He has not been seen in public since succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Khamenei stated that Iran does not seek war but will not give up what it considers its legitimate rights under any circumstances. He also said Iran would pursue compensation for all wartime damages. In addition, he warned regional neighbours to align with what he described as “the right side” while affirming unity within the resistance front.

Islamabad Under Lockdown, Sharif Calls it “Make or Break”

Shehbaz Sharif, who brought both sides together, warned the nation that securing a lasting ceasefire and resolving complex issues will be difficult, calling it “make or break.” He tightened security in Islamabad by sealing roads to the Serena Hotel, deploying heavy military forces, and placing banners announcing the talks across major roads.

Beyond the ceasefire, Iran is demanding an end to economic sanctions, recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the right to charge transit fees for ships. The strait remains closed to non-Iranian vessels, increasing global tensions. Meanwhile, Donald Trump said it will reopen with or without Iran’s cooperation. The uncertainty has already shaken markets, as global oil prices dropped sharply while major US stock indices recorded gains.