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US-Iran Talks Format Uncertain as Pakistan Prepares to Mediate

The format for upcoming talks between the United States and Iran remains uncertain, with preparations made for both face-to-face negotiations and indirect talks via Pakistani intermediaries. Pakistan has stated its role is to facilitate dialogue without influencing either side, ready to host delegations at the same hotel. The talks occur amid mutual accusations of bad faith and firm preconditions set by Iran, including the release of blocked assets. The broader regional volatility, including ongoing Israeli operations, further complicates the diplomatic landscape.

Key Points: US-Iran Talks: Format Uncertain, Pakistan to Mediate

  • Talks format still undecided
  • Pakistan prepared for both direct and indirect talks
  • US and Iran accuse each other of bad faith
  • Iran sets firm preconditions for negotiations
2 min read

Format of US-Iran talks still uncertain: Report

Report reveals uncertain format for US-Iran talks in Islamabad, with Pakistan ready to facilitate direct or indirect negotiations between the two sides.

"Pakistan's role is to help bring the United States and Iran 'to sit together' - Ishaq Dar"

Islamabad, April 11

The format of talks between the United States and Iran remains uncertain, a source close to the issue told Xinhua on Saturday.

The source, in a phone interview with Xinhua, said multiple arrangements have been made for the talks, including both face-to-face negotiations and talks held in separate rooms.

Pakistan has made preparations for both scenarios, the source said, adding that Islamabad is ready either to facilitate direct talks between the two sides or to arrange separate venues for their delegations and convey messages between them.

Al Jazeera reported that although the United States and Iranian delegations are expected to stay at the same hotel in Islamabad, they will not hold face-to-face talks. Instead, they are expected to remain in separate rooms while Pakistani officials relay messages between them.

Earlier this week, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate that Pakistan's role is to help bring the United States and Iran "to sit together" in Islamabad to resolve their issues, but Pakistan will not try to influence either side.

As The Washington Post reported, the two sides appear to share little common ground beyond "their need to find an exit ramp from the war".

Ahead of the talks, both countries accused each other of acting in bad faith. US President Donald Trump described Iran's public proposals as "a hoax" and said Tehran was being "dishonourable" in restricting tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, The Washington Post reported.

Iran, meanwhile, has set firm preconditions. According to The Washington Post and The New York Times, Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said issues such as the release of "blocked assets" must be resolved before negotiations begin.

Vice President J.D. Vance, who is leading the US delegation, sought to lower tensions. "I think it's going to be positive," he told reporters, adding that if Iran negotiates "in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend an open hand," according to The Washington Post.

The talks come as the broader regional situation remains volatile. While a ceasefire is technically in place, Israeli operations in Lebanon continue, complicating diplomatic efforts, according to The Washington Post and The New York Times.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The fact that they can't even agree on a format for talks says everything. So much mistrust. Pakistan's role as a messenger seems appropriate here—let them handle the logistics while the big powers figure out if they actually want peace.
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Arjun K
Global tensions like these directly impact oil prices and our economy. Hope they find some common ground soon. The "separate rooms" setup sounds like a school project gone wrong, but if it works, it works.
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Sarah B
While I appreciate Pakistan's diplomatic effort, I hope the focus remains on de-escalation. The region doesn't need another flashpoint. India has always advocated for peaceful dialogue to resolve international disputes.
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Vikram M
Trump calling proposals a "hoax" and Iran setting firm preconditions... this is not how you start productive talks. Both sides need to show more flexibility. The world is watching.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, the report seems to rely heavily on Western media like WaPo and NYT. Would be good to get more perspectives from regional analysts. The Strait of Hormuz issue is critical for global trade, including Indian imports.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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