Pakistan steers US-Iran talks toward a cautious restart

Pakistan hosts proximity talks in Islamabad to keep US-Iran negotiations alive after a Pakistan-mediated two-week ceasefire, aiming for a modest outcome that extends dialogue rather than finalizing a deal. The US team is led by Vice President JD Vance and includes Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner; Iran’s delegation is expected to be led by Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with Pakistani mediators shuttling between rooms. While signs point to de-escalation, major sticking points remain over Iran’s nuclear enrichment, sanctions relief, and guarantees related to the Strait of Hormuz, set against broader regional tensions including Lebanon. The goal of the first round is to lay groundwork for continued negotiations rather than a breakthrough.