US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Pakistan early Saturday to begin high-stakes negotiations with Iranian officials aimed at extending a fragile two-week ceasefire and ending six weeks of Middle East conflict that has killed over 6,000 people.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf landed overnight at an airbase near Islamabad, leading a delegation of approximately 70 officials including technical experts in economic, security and political fields. Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir greeted both delegations at the Nur Khan air base, where US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also present.
We have good intentions but we do not trust. Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iranian Parliament Speaker — Iran state broadcaster
The talks come as major obstacles threaten to derail negotiations before they begin. Iran has demanded that Israel cease operations in Lebanon and that frozen Iranian assets be released as preconditions for substantive discussions. The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with restrictions affecting up to 99% of shipping traffic through the waterway that carries 20% of global oil exports.
Pakistani authorities have transformed Islamabad into a fortress for the negotiations, declaring a public holiday and establishing a two-mile security perimeter around the Serena Hotel where delegations are based. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a 'make or break' moment for achieving permanent peace in the region.
Frames the talks through a cautious diplomatic lens, emphasizing procedural aspects and mutual suspicions while avoiding taking sides. Japan's perspective reflects its energy security concerns and preference for regional stability over geopolitical alignment.
Adopts a business-focused angle emphasizing economic implications and shipping disruptions, reflecting Singapore's role as a major trading hub. Coverage stresses the practical consequences of Strait of Hormuz closure for global commerce.
Emphasizes the human cost and regional instability, framing the conflict as a broader Middle Eastern crisis. Spanish coverage reflects European concerns about refugee flows and energy security while maintaining skepticism toward US military interventions.
Focuses on diplomatic process and structural obstacles to peace, reflecting Germany's preference for multilateral solutions. Coverage emphasizes the complexity of negotiations while avoiding judgment on either party's positions.
Provides detailed coverage of negotiating positions and preconditions, reflecting Latin American interest in conflict resolution mechanisms. Frames the talks as a test case for diplomatic alternatives to military solutions.
Emphasizes uncertainty and logistical challenges while questioning the clarity of negotiating frameworks. Dutch coverage reflects European concerns about regional stability and the effectiveness of diplomatic interventions.
Indian media frames the talks through the lens of regional stability concerns, emphasizing the fragility of the negotiations and Iran's conditional participation tied to Lebanon ceasefire commitments. This perspective reflects India's delicate balancing act between maintaining strategic partnerships with both the US and Iran while prioritizing regional peace that affects its own energy security and diaspora interests in the Gulf.
Coverage emphasizes Trump's threatening posture and the uncertainty created by the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, framing the talks as precarious with potential for renewed American military action. This narrative aligns with Saudi Arabia's complex position of supporting regional de-escalation while maintaining concerns about Iranian influence and the kingdom's own security arrangements with the US.
Turkish-accessed coverage focuses on Pakistan's mediating role and diplomatic optimism, highlighting the constructive engagement potential rather than threats or obstacles. This framing reflects Turkey's own aspirations as a regional diplomatic broker and its interest in seeing successful mediation models that could enhance Ankara's role in future Middle Eastern peace processes.
If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we're certainly willing to extend the open hand. But if they're going to try to play us, then they're going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.
JD Vance, US Vice President — before departure
The ceasefire announced Tuesday followed the US military operation 'Epic Fury' launched February 28, which targeted Iranian military infrastructure after nuclear negotiations collapsed. The current truce requires Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for suspended US strikes, but shipping companies remain hesitant to resume normal operations amid security concerns.
Lebanon has emerged as a critical sticking point. Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed over 300 people in what Lebanon called the war's deadliest day, with Iran insisting that Lebanese ceasefire compliance is essential for broader negotiations. Israel and the US dispute whether Lebanon was included in the original ceasefire agreement.
Both sides arrive with maximalist positions that appear difficult to reconcile. The US demands elimination of Iran's nuclear program, dismantlement of ballistic missile production, and cessation of support for proxy groups including Hezbollah. Iran seeks recognition of uranium enrichment rights, guarantees against future aggression, and economic reparations while maintaining control over regional shipping routes.
The talks represent the highest-level direct diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran in years, with Pakistan positioning itself as a neutral mediator despite its own economic dependence on Gulf energy exports. Success could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics, while failure risks renewed military escalation that could draw in additional regional powers.