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US-Iran Talks Begin in Islamabad, Focus on Lebanon Ceasefire & Assets

Iranian media confirms the start of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad, with key issues being the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian assets blocked by the US. The Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, while the US side is led by Vice President J D Vance. Iranian Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref warned that a deal is impossible if the US prioritizes Israeli interests, threatening a more vigorous defense. The talks follow a two-week ceasefire and recent escalations, including Israeli attacks in Lebanon and the past killing of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Key Points: US-Iran Negotiations Start in Islamabad: Key Issues

  • Ceasefire in Lebanon is a core demand
  • Release of Iran's frozen assets is contested
  • Talks mediated by Pakistan in Islamabad
  • Strait of Hormuz security on the agenda
3 min read

US-Iran negotiations begin in Islamabad: Iranian media

US and Iran begin talks in Islamabad. Agenda includes Lebanon ceasefire, release of Iranian assets, and Strait of Hormuz security. Details inside.

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

Islamabad, April 11

Iranian media confirmed Saturday evening, Pakistan time, that the negotiations between Iran and the US side have begun in Islamabad. Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that implementing a ceasefire in Lebanon, release of the Iranian assets by the American side - and the "need for more detailed expert and technical discussions" in this regard - are key parts of the negotiations besides discussions on the Strait of Hormuz.

"Iran believes that the ceasefire in Lebanon has not yet been fully implemented and that the United States has a duty to hold Israel to this commitment. The Iranian delegation is pursuing this issue seriously through the Pakistani mediator and also in the discussion room," the news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref warned Saturday that there would be no deal if the United States prioritises Israel's interests in the negotiations in Pakistan.

"If we face representatives of 'Israel First,' there will be no deal; we will inevitably continue our defence even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs," he wrote in a post on social media platform X, adding that "an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable" if otherwise.

The remarks came as an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and a US delegation led by Vice President J D Vance arrived in Pakistan's Islamabad for talks to end the hostilities in the Middle East.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targetting Israel and US interests in the Middle East, and tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz.

A two-week ceasefire reached between Iran and the United States took effect on Wednesday. Yet Israel has said the ceasefire does not cover the conflict in Lebanon, and carried out its largest single-day attack on Lebanon on Wednesday, killing more than 300 and injured over 1,100, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Friday, Qalibaf demanded a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations with the United States.

Earlier on Saturday, Tasnim news agency reported that Washington had agreed to unfreeze the Iranian assets, and that the Iranian delegation in Pakistan was seeking to make sure about the issue. However, several media reports, citing an unnamed US senior official, denied the report.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The human cost in Lebanon is heartbreaking. Over 300 killed in a single day? Whatever the politics, civilians are suffering the most. The ceasefire must be extended to Lebanon immediately. The world cannot just watch.
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Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, the key is de-escalation. A wider conflict will spike oil prices and hurt our economy. The US needs to show it can be an honest broker, not just follow Israel's lead. Iran's demand for a Lebanon ceasefire is valid.
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Michael C
The conflicting reports about frozen assets show how fragile these talks are. Trust is at zero. Both sides need to make tangible concessions. Holding global trade hostage at the Strait of Hormuz helps no one in the long run.
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Siddharth J
While the talks are a positive step, the rhetoric is still very aggressive. "Defence even more vigorously than before" sounds like a threat. Negotiations require a tone of compromise, not ultimatums. Hope cooler heads prevail in Islamabad.
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Nisha Z
The article mentions the killing of Khamenei in February. That's a massive, unprecedented event that set this all off. It's surprising how quickly the world has moved on from that. The roots of this conflict are deep and tragic.

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

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