Nournews: At one stage of the talks, the delegations took a break, temporarily pausing the discussions. However, even during this interval, expert-level consultations continued without interruption with the participation of specialized committees.
The negotiations are still ongoing. If necessary, there is a possibility that the talks will be extended for another day.
Hemmati meets Pakistan’s Foreign Minister
Abdolnaser Hemmati, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, who is accompanying the Iranian negotiating team in the Islamabad talks, met on the sidelines with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
The two sides emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and noted that peace and stability in the region remain essential for economic cooperation and shared progress.
It is worth noting that Iran–US talks, mediated by Pakistan, have been taking place since Saturday morning at the Serena Hotel, following separate discussions between Pakistan’s Prime Minister and the heads of the two delegations.
These negotiations cover various areas of disagreement and mutual interests between the two sides, including political, economic, sanctions-related, and nuclear issues, at both political and expert levels.
Statement from a source in the Iranian negotiating team regarding the duration of stay in Pakistan
A source in the negotiating team said that the progress of the talks will determine whether the Iranian delegation extends its stay in Islamabad.
The same source reiterated that there is still no information available regarding the outcomes of the expert committees. The Iranian delegation had initially planned to return to Tehran on Saturday evening.
Al Jazeera claims direct talks between Iranian and American delegations
Al Jazeera, citing its sources, claimed that the American and Iranian delegations have entered direct talks during today’s negotiations in Islamabad.
According to Al Jazeera’s sources, who are described as being close to the mediators of the Iran–US talks in Islamabad, although the negotiations were initially expected to be indirect, the two sides are now engaging in direct discussions.
Previously, the plan was for the American and Iranian delegations to sit in separate rooms while Pakistani mediators relayed messages between them, as reported on Friday.
“However, now, in a significant shift, our sources close to the mediators say that the two teams are holding direct talks with the presence of Pakistani intermediaries,” Al Jazeera reported.
Talks move beyond general issues into technical discussions
The negotiations have moved beyond general issues, and in some cases have entered technical discussions. As a result, there is a possibility of extending the talks by one day, though this has not yet been confirmed.
Following initial discussions and consultations, the dialogue between the Iranian and American delegations has now progressed beyond general frameworks and entered detailed and technical discussions on certain issues.
Accordingly, experts from both sides are currently reviewing specific details of some matters.
Although the talks were originally scheduled to last one day, there is a possibility they may be extended for another day to allow further technical discussions. However, this has not yet been finalized.
Talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations officially began in Islamabad shortly after meetings between Iranian delegation head Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Pakistan’s prime minister, followed by a separate meeting between U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Pakistani officials.
The negotiations were launched after intensive consultations in Islamabad, progress in limiting Israeli strikes to southern Lebanon, and the U.S. agreement to release part of Iran’s frozen assets. These developments were viewed as steps toward implementing the ceasefire and advancing diplomatic efforts.
Iranian officials emphasized that the ceasefire in Lebanon has not yet been fully implemented and called on the United States to take a more active role in ensuring Israel complies with its commitments. Tehran is pursuing this issue through Pakistani mediation as well as in direct negotiations.
The talks have moved beyond general discussions and entered technical and expert-level negotiations on several issues. Specialists from both sides are now reviewing detailed aspects of unresolved matters, including the implementation of regional de-escalation measures and the assessment of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
Although the negotiations were initially scheduled as a one-day meeting, there is a possibility that they may be extended for an additional day to allow further expert-level discussions.
The Iranian delegation, under the code name "Minab 168," arrived in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on Friday night (April 10), headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, to hold talks with U.S. officials. This visit is part of efforts to reach new agreements on a ceasefire and the reduction of regional tensions. The talks were scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. local time in Islamabad on Saturday.
Nournews: The Iranian delegation, which arrived in Islamabad Friday night and was welcomed by senior Pakistani officials, includes security, political, military, economic, and legal committees. Upon arrival, the Speaker met with the Chief of the Pakistani Army. Asim Munir, who has played a central role as the main mediator between Iran and the United States, holds significant influence in Pakistan.
If the opposing side accepts Iran’s preconditions for starting negotiations, the talks will begin.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Defense Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, along with several members of parliament, are accompanying Ghalibaf on this trip.
J.D. Vance, Vice President of the United States, has also arrived in Islamabad, accompanied by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Some sources have also reported the presence of the Commander of CENTCOM in the U.S. negotiating team.
Following what was described as a powerful demonstration by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the remarkable presence of the Iranian people in defending the country, the United States and Israel—after 40 days of warfare and crimes and without achieving any of their declared objectives—were forced to propose a ceasefire. The United States also requested negotiations.
Iran accepted a two-week ceasefire but emphasized that if an agreement acceptable to Iran and the Axis of Resistance is not reached and hostilities resume, it will once again set U.S. interests in the region, as well as Israeli targets, ablaze.
Pakistani Foreign Minister: We Are Determined to Facilitate a Durable Solution to End the War
Early Saturday morning, the Public Relations Office of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement announcing that a high-level Iranian delegation, including Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, had arrived in Islamabad to participate in negotiations.
According to the statement, the Iranian delegation was welcomed upon arrival by Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister; Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly; Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff; and Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister expressed hope that both sides would engage constructively in the negotiations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness and commitment to continue facilitating both sides in achieving a lasting and durable solution to the war.
Axios: The Islamabad Talks Are Very Important for Vance
A U.S. official told Axios:
“These talks are very important for J.D. Vance. He is heading into a [major event].”
According to sources, Vance personally requested this role from Trump. Another reason for his selection was the deep mistrust between Tehran and Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff following U.S. and Israeli attacks after two previous rounds of negotiations. Nevertheless, both men are accompanying Vance in this round of talks.
Finalizing an agreement may take weeks or months and will likely require extending the current two-week ceasefire. A U.S. official said this would not happen unless Vance returns with “a tangible achievement.”
Ghalibaf at Islamabad Airport: Our Negotiation Experience with the U.S. Has Always Involved Broken Promises
Upon arrival in Islamabad, in response to journalists’ questions about recent remarks by U.S. Vice President Vance, the Speaker stated:
“Unfortunately, our experience negotiating with the Americans has always been accompanied by failure and broken commitments.”
“Twice within less than a year, in the middle of negotiations and despite Iran’s goodwill, we were attacked and numerous war crimes were committed.”
“We have goodwill, but we do not have trust. In the upcoming negotiations, if the American side is ready for a real agreement and to grant the rights of the Iranian nation, they will see readiness from our side as well.”
“However, in the current war we have shown them that if they intend to use negotiations as a futile show or a deceptive operation, we are prepared to secure our rights with faith in God and reliance on our national capabilities.”
Details of the Iranian Delegation in Islamabad
The Iranian delegation in Islamabad consists of approximately 70 members. In addition to the main negotiators, 26 members belong to technical and specialized committees in economic, security, and political fields to provide consultations due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
Additionally, 23 media personnel from various outlets are part of the delegation.
Other members include protocol teams, coordinators, translators, and security personnel.
A 300-Member U.S. Delegation in Islamabad
The United States has arrived in Pakistan with a delegation of nearly 300 members.
Vice President J.D. Vance, along with Witkoff and Kushner, are among the members of the negotiating team.
Meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Scheduled
The Iranian delegation is scheduled to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister tomorrow morning.
If the U.S. side accepts the Iranian delegation’s preconditions, negotiations are expected to begin tomorrow afternoon at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad.
Nournews