After a period of indirect contact, the United States and Iran have engaged in face-to-face discussions for the first time at the negotiation table. The US delegation, led by JD Vance, has held talks with Iranian officials in Pakistan. It is reported that both sides also had separate contacts with the Prime Minister of Pakistan prior to the discussions.
This negotiation process is described as a high-risk diplomatic endeavor, as previous interactions were mostly conducted through intermediaries. Therefore, the shift to direct negotiations is seen as a significant turning point.
US President Donald Trump made an important statement, announcing the initiation of a process to “clear” the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global energy trade. However, it remains unclear how this statement will manifest in practice.
Furthermore, diplomatic activities in the region are not limited to US-Iran relations. Diplomats from Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to meet next week in Washington, D.C. Despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran, ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah indicate that regional tensions persist.
Reports indicate that China is preparing to send new air defense systems to Iran, although the Chinese embassy in Washington has denied this claim. This development could trigger new tensions in the fragile ceasefire environment.
According to Iranian media, negotiations in Islamabad have entered the technical details phase. Tasnim News Agency reported that both sides are engaged in in-depth expert-level discussions on specific issues. Although the initial plan was for a one-day negotiation, the extensive range of technical issues being discussed may extend the talks.
Pakistani sources stated that the first round of negotiations lasted about two hours, after which both sides took a break. US officials indicated that they have not received any threats from Iran regarding vessels.
In a statement regarding the day's developments, Trump did not provide a clear assessment of the progress of the negotiations. He confirmed that talks have officially begun and stated that regarding Iran's sincerity, “we will know soon.” Trump also mentioned that if the negotiations do not progress well, the US is “always ready to restart” talks.