Kamal Ghorui
US-Iran ceasefire: JD Vance lands in Islamabad to lead talks as fragile truce hangs in balance
US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to lead crucial negotiations with Iran aimed at stabilising a fragile ceasefire and exploring a path to peace in Middle East.Vance, heading the US delegation on behalf of Donald Trump, landed at Nur Khan airbase near the Pakistani capital, where he was received by Pakistan army chief Asim Munir.
The American team also includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and the foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, had already arrived in Islamabad ahead of the talks.
Tense backdrop and preconditions from Iran
The negotiations come at a critical juncture, with a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran still holding but under significant strain. Qalibaf has insisted that talks would only proceed if two key conditions are met: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets.Vance, before departing Washington, struck a cautious tone, warning Tehran against attempting to exploit the talks. “If they’re going to try and play us, then they’re going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive,” he said, while also expressing optimism that discussions could be “positive”.
Islamabad under tight security
Security in Islamabad has been significantly tightened ahead of the high-level engagement. Roads have been sealed, and residents were advised to remain indoors, giving parts of the city a near-curfew-like appearance.Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the moment as a “make-or-break” phase, underscoring the difficulty of transitioning from a temporary truce to a lasting peace agreement.
Ceasefire under pressure amid regional tensions
The talks are unfolding against continued violence in the region, particularly in Lebanon, where clashes between Israel and Hezbollah persist despite the broader ceasefire framework. This disagreement over the scope of the truce has emerged as a major sticking point in negotiations.The Strait of Hormuz remains another flashpoint, with Iran’s blockade disrupting global energy supplies and adding urgency to the discussions. Oil prices have surged sharply since the conflict began, reflecting the wider economic impact.With both sides holding firm on key demands, the Islamabad talks are being seen as a critical test of whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a renewed escalation in the region.
