Pakistan PM: US-Iran Talks Set for 11th

The United States and Iran are scheduled to begin peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the morning of April 11, 2026. These negotiations represent the first direct talks between the two nations since the start of the current war, which began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched an offensive that included the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The meetings follow a Pakistan-mediated two-week ceasefire agreed upon by both sides. To facilitate the arrival of the delegations and ensure strict security, the Pakistani government declared a sudden two-day public holiday in Islamabad, resulting in the emptying of the capital’s streets.

Delegations and Leadership

The American delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, who departed Washington for Islamabad on April 10, 2026. He is accompanied by Jared Kushner, son-in-law to President Donald Trump, and Steve Witkoff, the administration’s chief negotiator.

While Tehran has not formally confirmed its representatives, reports indicate that the Iranian team is expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Ghalibaf has been identified as a key interlocutor with the Trump administration throughout the conflict.

Prior to his departure, Vice President Vance expressed optimism regarding the proceedings, stating to reporters, We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive.

Objectives and Expectations

Pakistani officials have characterized their goal for the summit as realistic and modest. Rather than seeking a comprehensive immediate breakthrough, Pakistan aims for the negotiators to find enough common ground to agree to continue deeper negotiations toward a lasting peace deal.

Experts and sources close to the mediation effort suggest that a major breakthrough on April 11 is unlikely, given that key differences between the Iranian and American positions remain intact. However, the mediation effort is seen as an attempt to build upon the current truce.

Risk Factors and Regional Context

Despite the fragile ceasefire holding for now, several factors threaten to derail the peace talks. These include the ongoing deadly bombardment of Hezbollah by Israel and unresolved disagreements regarding whether Lebanon is included in the terms of the truce.

The outcome of these make-or-break talks is viewed as critical for the stability of the Middle East and the global economy. The conflict has already resulted in the deaths of many Iranian leaders through US-Israeli strikes in recent weeks.

Pakistan has emerged as a key international player by mediating the current ceasefire and securing the agreement to bring both delegations to the table in Islamabad.