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US-Iran "Make or Break" Talks in Pakistan: Will Ceasefire Hold?

High-level delegations from Iran and the United States have arrived in Islamabad for critical negotiations described by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as "make or break" for regional stability. The talks aim to solidify a fragile ceasefire announced on April 8, with Iran's Vice-President warning a deal is only possible if facing "America First" representatives, not "Israel First." The Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, while the US team includes Vice President JD Vance and Jared Kushner. With a limited 15-day window set by Iran and unprecedented security, the next 48 hours are seen as pivotal for determining a lasting diplomatic resolution or a return to conflict.

Key Points: US-Iran High-Stakes Talks in Pakistan: Ceasefire at Risk

  • Fragile ceasefire on the line
  • Iran sets "America First" condition
  • Unprecedented security for talks
  • 15-day window for diplomacy
3 min read

"America First" or "Israel First"?: Iran, US enter high-stakes talks in Pakistan

High-level US and Iran delegations meet in Islamabad for critical talks. Iran warns outcome depends on whether US negotiates for "America First" or "Israel First."

"If we face representatives of 'Israel First,' there will be no deal - Mohammad Reza Aref"

Islamabad, April 11

A high-level delegations from Iran and the United States arrived for what Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed "make or break" negotiations.

The summit, held under intense security, aims to stabilize a fragile ceasefire and navigate the future of regional security.

On Saturday morning, the Iranian delegation departed their residence for the Prime Minister's Office to commence formal discussions. The meeting follows a week of global anticipation after the ceasefire announcement on April 8.

Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai said in a post on X, "The Iranian delegation has departed from their residence en route to the Prime Minister's Office for a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif."

Vice-President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref said that if the Iranian representatives meet with representatives of 'America First,' an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable. However, if they face representatives of 'Israel First,' there will be no deal.

In a post on X, he said, "If we negotiate in Islamabad with representatives of 'America First,' an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable. However, if we face representatives of 'Israel First,' there will be no deal; we will inevitably continue our defense even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs."

As the world watches with bated breath the slippery ceasefire talks, a US aircraft carrying a team for negotiations with Iran landed in Pakistan's Islamabad, earlier in the day.

The level of representation underscores the gravity of the encounter. The Iranian team is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, the team arrived in Islamabad after midnight under an unprecedented security detail.

The US taem comprises Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump.

According to Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the window for these discussions is limited to 15 days. With the world watching with "bated breath," the next 48 hours in Islamabad are expected to determine whether the regional ceasefire evolves into a lasting diplomatic resolution or a return to intensified conflict.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks between the US and Iran as "make or break," Al Jazeera reported.

When the Iranian team's aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was provided with a full circle of protection that included AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) early warning aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft, as well as fighter jets, which escorted the Iranian team to Islamabad.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the talks happening in Islamabad. The "America First" vs "Israel First" framing by the Iranian VP is quite telling. Hope they find common ground, for everyone's sake. The world doesn't need another flashpoint.
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Priya S
The level of security described is insane! AWACS, fighter jets... it shows how tense things are. Honestly, as an Indian, my main concern is that any deal should not come at the cost of normalizing terrorism emanating from the region. 🙏
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Rohit P
With Jared Kushner on the US team, it's hard not to see the "Israel First" angle. Iran has a point. But let's be real, Pakistan hosting this gives them undue diplomatic weight. India should have been a more neutral and capable venue.
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Aman W
A respectful criticism: The article focuses heavily on the ceremony and security. I wish it had more analysis on what India's strategic interests are in these talks. Our energy security and Chabahar port are directly linked to Iran-US relations.
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Nisha Z
"Make or break" indeed. Hope sense prevails. Constant conflict in the neighborhood is bad for business and stability. A peaceful resolution would be good for the whole subcontinent, including us. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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